en_tn_condensed/mat/10/34.md

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience.

Do not think

"Do not suppose" or "You must not think"

upon the earth

This refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "to the people of the earth" or "to people" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

a sword

This refers to division, fighting, and killing among people. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)