Luke 8:21
What does Luke 8:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:21 means
Luke 8:21 records Jesus’ answer: his true mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. Jesus redefines family by obedience to God rather than biological ties. The verse elevates spiritual kinship grounded in faithful response to God’s revelation. It is not disrespect to his human family but a proclamation of the kingdom’s priority: those who accept and obey God’s word are members of Jesus’ household. This challenges readers to see discipleship as the primary identifying relationship for followers of Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he said to them in answer, My mother and my brothers are those who have knowledge of the word of God and do it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he answering said unto them, `My mother and my brethren! they are those who the word of God are hearing, and doing.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who answering, said to them: My mother and my brethren are they who hear the word of God and do it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he answering said to them, My mother and my brethren are those who hear the word ofGod and do [it].
Context
Succeeding the family’s attempt to see Jesus, this verse provides a theological correction. It ties back to the chapter’s emphasis on hearing and doing the word (good soil). The statement pivots from parable and lamp imagery to lived relation: true belonging follows faithfulness, reinforcing the practical demands of gospel commitment.
v.20And it was told him, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
v.21This passage
v.22Now it came to pass on one of those days, that he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples; and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake: and they launched forth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 13:17
If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.
- Matthew 25:45
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.
- 1 John 3:22
and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
- Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.
- Matthew 28:10
Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
- 2 Corinthians 6:18
And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
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