The word “hate” is not to be taken literally for Christ told us to love our enemies. Adam had a full relationship with God in the garden. Adam’s affection was directed outward, he enjoyed his walk with God in the garden. After Adam’s disobedience, he was now fully aware of himself. He was now turned in on himself and his natural disposition was selfish.
Notice Jesus’ progression in the verse, it is like a target with concentric circles. He starts with “father and mother” and ends with “even your own life”. Jesus is addressing man’s problem that started back with Adam, self interest. Jesus knows that if we have Him number one and number two is close by, number two with always be waiting in the shadows to try to over take number One because of our fallen nature (selfishness). The only solution is to keep number two so far from number One that it will never compete for the top spot.
Read on to the next verses and see this in context. Jesus begins to compare this idea with a man the considers building a tower meaning consider the cost. He who tries to save his life will lose it, he who loses his life for Christ will save it. Our hearts will betray Him if He is not absolutely number one.

Commentary by Steven K Morris
Posted on: 3/1/2010 12:15 pm

The word hate in the greek is mis-eh-o, and it means to love less.

Commentary by shawn
Posted on: 1/29/2010 05:42 am

I think it means “comparative” hate. You should love Jesus so much that all other loves pale in comparison.

Commentary by Jason W. Elder
Posted on: 1/11/2010 17:32 pm

what does this verse mean?

Commentary by cheena
Posted on: 1/10/2010 15:23 pm