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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Matthew 10:34 - 10:34
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34–39. These verses exhibit beautifully three characteristics of Hebrew poetry, antithesis, climax, refrain. The first four lines μὴ νομίσητε … οἱ οἰκιακοὶ αὐτοῦ, which reflect the words of Mic 7:6, indicate the separating influence of Christianity. Note here, as in all great revolutions of thought, the change begins from the young. The separation is against father, mother, mother-in-law. The remaining lines indicate the cause of division. Absolute devotion to Christ implies (or may imply) severance from the nearest and dearest of earthly ties. This is set forth in a climax of three couplets each ending with the refrain οὐκ ἔστιν μου ἄξιος, followed by an antithetic quatrain.
ἦλθον βαλεῖν. The infinitive expressing a purpose is specially characteristic of this Gospel. The idea of aim is not prominent in the construction, as the infinitive might equally well express result.