Matthew 10:34

μὴ νομίσητε, do not imagine, as you are very likely to do (cf. Matthew 5:17). ἦλθον βαλεῖν : the use of the infinitive to express aim is common in Matt., but Christ has here in view result rather than purpose, which are not carefully distinguished in Scripture. For βαλεῖν Luke has δοῦναι, possibly with a feeling that the former word does not suit εἰρήνην. It is used specially with reference to μάχαιραν. The aorist points to a sudden single action. Christ came to bring peace on earth, but not in an immediate magical way; peace at last through war (Weiss, Matt. Evang.). μάχαιραν : Luke substitutes διαμερισμόν. The connecting link may be that the sword divides in two (Hebrews 4:12). Grotius says that by the word there should be understood: “non bellum sed dissidium”.