New International Version“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
New Living TranslationJesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
English Standard VersionAnd he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”
Berean Standard BibleBut Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd He answering them says, "Who are My mother and My brothers?"
King James BibleAnd he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
New King James VersionBut He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?”
New American Standard BibleAnswering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
NASB 1995Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
NASB 1977And answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
Amplified BibleAnd He replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
Christian Standard BibleHe replied to them, “Who are my mother and my brothers? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe replied to them, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
American Standard VersionAnd he answereth them, and saith, Who is my mother and my brethren?
Contemporary English VersionJesus asked, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?"
English Revised VersionAnd he answereth them, and saith, Who is my mother and my brethren?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe replied to them, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?"
Good News TranslationJesus answered, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"
International Standard VersionHe answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
NET BibleHe answered them and said, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
New Heart English BibleAnd he answered them, saying, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
Weymouth New Testament"Who are my mother and my brothers?" He replied. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, or who are My brothers?”
World English BibleHe answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd He answering them says, "Who are My mother and My brothers?"
Young's Literal Translation And he answered them, saying, 'Who is my mother, or my brethren?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, and my brethren? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd answering them, he said: Who is my mother and my brethren?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd responding to them, he said, “Who is my mother and my brothers?”
New American BibleBut he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and [my] brothers?”
New Revised Standard VersionAnd he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he answered and said to them, Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he answered and said to them, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he answered them and said: "Who is my mother, or my brothers?
Godbey New TestamentAnd He responding to them, says, Who is my mother and my brothers?
Haweis New Testament
And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother or my brethren?
Mace New Testament
He answer'd, who is my mother? who are my brothers?
Weymouth New Testament
"Who are my mother and my brothers?" He replied.
Worrell New Testament
And, answering them, He saith,"Who is My mother, and My brothers?"
Worsley New Testament
And He answered them, and said,Who is my mother, or my brethren?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus' Mother and Brothers… 32and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” 33ButJesus replied,“WhoareMymotherandMybrothers?”34Looking at those seated in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers!…
Cross References Matthew 12:48But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”
Luke 8:21But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.”
John 15:14You are My friends if you do what I command you.
Matthew 10:37Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;
John 1:12-13But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
Romans 8:29For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
Galatians 3:26-28You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. / For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. / There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:19Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,
Hebrews 2:11For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
1 John 3:1-2Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. / Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Deuteronomy 33:9He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.
Psalm 27:10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Isaiah 49:15“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!
Jeremiah 31:1“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.”
Hosea 1:10Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’
Treasury of Scripture And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brothers? Who. Deuteronomy 33:9 Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant. Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? John 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. or. Mark 3:21 And when his friends heardof it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. John 7:3-5 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest… Jump to Previous MotherJump to Next MotherMark 3 1.Jesus heals the withered hand,10.and many other infirmities;11.rebukes the unclean spirit;13.chooses his twelve apostles;22.convinces the blasphemy of casting out demons by Beelzebub;31.and shows who are his brother, sister, and mother.But Jesus replied,In this passage, Jesus is responding to a situation where His biological family is seeking Him. This reply is significant as it highlights Jesus' teaching method, often using questions to provoke thought and deeper understanding. His response is not dismissive but rather an invitation to consider a broader spiritual truth. Jesus frequently used questions to challenge prevailing assumptions and to lead His listeners to a deeper understanding of His mission and the nature of God's kingdom. “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
This question challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of family ties, which were deeply rooted in blood relations and tribal affiliations. In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, family was central to one's identity and social structure. By asking this question, Jesus is redefining the concept of family in spiritual terms. He emphasizes that spiritual kinship, based on obedience to God's will, transcends biological relationships. This teaching aligns with other scriptures, such asJohn 1:12-13, where believers are described as children of God, born not of natural descent but of God. Additionally, this redefinition of family foreshadows the formation of the early Christian community, where believers are united as brothers and sisters in Christ, as seen inActs 2:42-47. Jesus' question also points to His role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, who would establish a new covenant community. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching and responding to those around Him. His response in Mark 3:33 highlights His teaching on spiritual kinship. 2. The CrowdA group of people gathered around Jesus, listening to His teachings. They are witnesses to His response about who His true family is. 3. Jesus' Mother and BrothersThey are mentioned in the context of seeking Jesus, which prompts His teaching on spiritual family. Their presence sets the stage for Jesus to redefine familial relationships in spiritual terms. Teaching Points Redefining FamilyJesus challenges the traditional understanding of family by emphasizing spiritual bonds over biological ones. This teaches us to value our spiritual relationships and community in Christ. Spiritual KinshipThe passage encourages believers to see fellow Christians as family, united by faith and commitment to God's will. Prioritizing God's WillJesus' response underscores the importance of aligning our lives with God's will, which is the true mark of being part of His family. Inclusivity in the KingdomThe teaching opens the door for all who do God's will to be considered part of Jesus' family, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 3:33?
2.How does Mark 3:33 redefine family in the context of Christian community?
3.What does Jesus' response in Mark 3:33 teach about spiritual priorities?
4.How can we apply Jesus' definition of family to our church relationships?
5.In what ways does Mark 3:33 connect to the commandment to love one another?
6.How should Mark 3:33 influence our understanding of belonging in God's kingdom?
7.What does Jesus mean by "Who are My mother and My brothers?" in Mark 3:33?
8.How does Mark 3:33 challenge traditional family values?
9.Why does Jesus prioritize spiritual kinship over biological family in Mark 3:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 3?
11.Who was James the Apostle in Christian tradition?
12.Did Jesus have siblings?
13.What is the number of Jesus' siblings?
14.Matthew 20:20-21 - Why does Matthew mention the mother of James and John making this request, while Mark 10:35-37 portrays the brothers themselves asking?What Does Mark 3:33 Mean But Jesus replied“Mark lets us hear Jesus’ voice in the middle of a packed house (Mark 3:31-32). His earthly family is standing outside, trying to pull Him away, yet He answers the messenger instead of immediately stepping out. That reply signals something important: whenever Jesus speaks, He reveals the will of the Father (John 12:49-50). • The conjunction “But” shows a contrast—human expectations versus divine priorities (Isaiah 55:8-9). • Jesus is not dismissive; He is deliberate. Like at Cana—“Woman, why does this concern us?” (John 2:4)—He redirects attention from natural ties to the mission of God. • He models the call to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) even when family pressures mount (Luke 14:26).
Who are My motherHe begins with the most honored earthly bond. In Israel, honoring mother and father is a core command (Exodus 20:12), yet Jesus asks a question that unsettles mere biology. • The question is rhetorical, inviting listeners to look around and discover a deeper, spiritual motherhood rooted in faith and obedience (Luke 11:27-28). • He does not deny Mary’s blessed role (Luke 1:48); He magnifies the greater blessing of hearing and doing God’s word (Luke 8:21). • Even if earthly family fails, God provides a covenant family (Psalm 27:10).
and My brothers?The sentence widens to include siblings—representing the broader circle of kinship. In the very next verses Jesus will point to disciples and say, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:34-35). • Spiritual kinship is defined by obedience, not ancestry (John 1:12-13;Romans 8:14-17). • This family is expansive: all who trust Christ are called His “brothers” (Hebrews 2:11), sharing His inheritance (Romans 8:29). • Following Jesus may cost natural relationships (Mark 10:29-30), but He supplies a hundredfold in the fellowship of believers (Acts 2:42-47).
summaryBy asking, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Jesus elevates spiritual relationship above bloodline. He honors family yet insists that true kinship is forged by doing the Father’s will. In Christ we gain a new, everlasting household—one bound not by birth certificate but by faith and obedience to God’s Word.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek ButΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[Jesus] replied,ἀποκριθεὶς(apokritheis)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“WhoΤίς(Tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.areἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.motherμήτηρ(mētēr)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.brothers?”ἀδελφοί(adelphoi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.
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NT Gospels: Mark 3:33 He answered them Who are my mother (Mar Mk Mr) |
