Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 14:26

"If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." — Luke 14:26 (ASV)

The serious tone of the preceding parable continues as attention now turns to those who profess allegiance to Jesus. Luke again points out Jesus’ popularity and his continuing journey toward Jerusalem . “Hate” (v.26; GK 3631) is not an absolute but a relative term. To neglect social customs pertaining to family loyalties would probably have been interpreted as hate. Jesus is not contravening the commandment to honor one’s father and mother. It is important to understand the ancient Near Eastern expression without blunting its force. (For the meaning of v.27, see comment on 9:23.)