Luke 14: 26 Commentary

Even then, that won’t give you the exact form of the word which is μισει (I hope that font shows up). But the point is still valid…Context, context, context. I always use the word “can” for an example of Polysemic (big word, hope I spelled it right)English words.

Another good example of a Greek word, which translation of demands context, is πασχα (pascha) in Acts 12:4. From what I understand, pashca almost always referred to the pagan feast of Ishtar but everywhere it appeared in the New Testament, the context Demanded it be rendered “Passover.” But in Acts 12:4, the context not only demands it be transliterated or rendered something other than passover, but demands that it be so.

By Jason W. Elder (wrote 314 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 12/13/2010 04:28 am

In response to Steven K Morris. We have many English words that have more than one meaning. If you look up the English word “hate” in the dictionary, it will not give you the Greek definition. You must look up the translated word to “hate” and not hate itself. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is an excellant resource. The Greek word for “hate” is “miseo” and it is a verb. It has three definitions. Guess what? The third definition says “of relative preference for one thing over another,” in other words, “to love less.”

Just as it is in the English language, how do you know which definition to use? The context of which the word is used in.

By Toby Strebe (wrote 3 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 12/11/2010 09:51 am

Very well said Jayant. I agree

By Steven K Morris (wrote 3 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/2/2010 02:05 am

This is the cost of discipleship, of following Jesus. It requires denial of self and all that belongs to the self. When the time comes to take option about the loyality or alleigence between Jesus and others (other things as well), we need to be loyal to Jesus even to the extent of hating all the others competing. Our love and loyality for Jesus should be such as, if need be, we would hate others. When there are competing factors, we cannot have a middle way, loving both. In the case of mammon Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters; he will love the one and hate other.” This is also applicable in other areas of life.

By Jayant Christian (wrote 287 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/2/2010 01:38 am

In response to Shawn’s comment: I’m not sure where you received your information on the greek for “hate”.
Thayer’s Lexicon, used in Blueletterbible.org, defines “hate” as, to hate, pursue with hatred, detest. Strongs has the same definition.
The strength of Jesus’ words is what intrigues me. Look at Luke 12:53 and compare with Luke 14:26.
I have found that my christian brothers and sisters are more family than my biological family. I was adopted by God into a completely new family.
Luke 18:18, Jesus has a conversation with a “certain ruler”. He mentions all the commandments that relate to human relationships but then makes His point when He says, “You still lack one thing. “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Jesus was saying that you have all your relationships reversed by doing the commands that are man related but have neglected the FIRST command, love God with all your heart. He could have obeyed Jesus instruction but he went away sad.
It is quite a price to pay to make Christ number one! It doesn’t take much of a man to follow Christ, it just takes all there is of him.

By Steven K Morris (wrote 3 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/1/2010 12:07 pm

Let me try to give my own comment on this verse, if we look at God’s view of the old man which wil include family and self, we wil notice that the “old man” is corupted, what does the Lord want in us? He want Christ to live His live thru us, not that we live in the flesh “old man” which are crucified. If God want Jesus in others, then we would like to see Jesus in them. If the word hate is used it must be seen with regard to the “old man” in us. If I hate my flesh. in the sense of it sinfulness it is right, if i should say i dont want to have anything to do with my old unreborn self it is acceptable to me, If Christ lived His live thru every member of my family, we hate flesh spotted garments.

By Ferdie (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/1/2010 07:39 am

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.

By Steven K Morris (wrote 3 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/1/2010 12:15 pm

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

By shawn (wrote 9 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
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.

By Jason W. Elder (wrote 314 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/11/2010 17:32 pm

what does this verse mean?

By cheena (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/10/2010 15:23 pm