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MAT 12:46-50

Jesusʼ Mother and Brothers

46While he was still speaking to the crowds, look — his mother and his brothers had been standing outside, seeking to speak with him.

47And someone said to him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with you."

48But he answered and said to the one who told him: "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?"

49And stretching out his hand toward his learners, he said: "Here are my mother and my brothers.

50For whoever does the will of my Father in the heavens — that one is my brother and sister and mother."

In the world it was spoken into

In 1st-century Jewish culture, family ties were central to social identity and honor. The term (brothers) could refer to biological siblings or extended family members, reflecting the communal nature of kinship. Jesus’ mother and brothers standing outside suggests a deliberate, public posture, likely seeking to assert familial authority or address concerns about His actions, which were drawing large crowds and controversy. Their active seeking implies urgency, possibly driven by societal pressure or familial obligation to protect the family’s honor. Jesus’ response redefines kinship, shifting focus from biological ties to spiritual allegiance. By pointing to His disciples , He elevates those who follow God’s will as His true family, a radical claim in a culture where bloodlines dictated social and religious standing. This redefinition aligns with Jesus’ broader message of a new community centered on divine obedience rather than traditional hierarchies.

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How other translations render this

MAT 12:46

KJV
While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
BSB
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him.
Koinōnos
While he was still speaking to the crowds, look — his mother and his brothers had been standing outside, seeking to speak with him.

MAT 12:47

KJV
Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
BSB
Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”
Koinōnos
And someone said to him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with you.

MAT 12:48

KJV
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
BSB
But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”
Koinōnos
But he answered and said to the one who told him: "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?

MAT 12:49

KJV
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
BSB
Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers.
Koinōnos
And stretching out his hand toward his learners, he said: "Here are my mother and my brothers.

MAT 12:50

KJV
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
BSB
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
Koinōnos
For whoever does the will of my Father in the heavens — that one is my brother and sister and mother.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

MAT 12:46

  • brothers:The word translated 'brothers' here could refer to biological brothers, or it could be used more broadly to mean kinsmen, fellow countrymen, or even close associates.
  • had been standing:The verb translated 'had been standing' emphasizes a state of being present and waiting, suggesting they had been there for some time rather than just arriving.
  • seeking:The word translated 'seeking' implies an active and intentional effort to find or obtain something, often with a sense of purpose or desire.

MAT 12:49

  • disciples:The term 'disciples' literally means 'learners' or 'pupils,' highlighting the active role of following and learning from a teacher, not just being a follower.