In the original Greek according to Westcott-Hort, this verse is: In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: The New International Version translates the passage as: This wording seems to be at variance with Jesus' title of "Prince of Peace" (see Isaiah 9:6,7; 65:25).

… Jesus speaks here, as in the preceding and following verses, more of a division in men’s personal response to him.

"[3] The text of Matthew's Gospel in the Book of Kells alters gladium, the Vulgate translation of makhairan 'sword", to gaudium, 'joy', resulting in a reading of "I came not [only] to bring peace, but [also] joy".

"[5] Glossa Ordinaria: "Or connect it with what has gone before, As the fear of death ought not to draw you away, so neither ought carnal affection.

(Luke 2:14) That is the most perfect peace when that which is diseased is lopped off, when that which introduces strife is taken away, for so only is it possible that heaven should be joined to earth.