Misinterpretations often portray this as advocating literal hatred or rejection of family, fostering guilt for normal familial affection or excusing family neglect in the name of faith; in context, it's Semitic hyperbole expressing relative priority—loving Christ most intensely makes family love seem lesser by comparison, harmonizing with Jesus' affirmations of honoring parents and family elsewhere in Scripture.
Matthew 10:37
King James Version (1769)
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Jesus emphasizes that genuine discipleship demands supreme loyalty to Him above all else, including the deepest family bonds like love for parents or children; this stark teaching uses comparative language to highlight that no human relationship can eclipse devotion to Christ, ensuring followers prioritize God's kingdom and His call in their lives.