Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:48

What does Matthew 12:48 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:48 means

Jesus asks rhetorically Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? He challenges conventional family categories to make a point about spiritual kinship. By asking, he invites listeners to reconsider identities based on obedience to God. The question unsettles expectations and prepares for a positive definition of family centered on God’s will. It shows his willingness to reorder priorities so that obedience to the Father defines belonging.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he in answer said to him who gave the news, Who is my mother and who are my brothers?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answering said to him who spake to him, `Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he answering him that told him, said: Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he answering said to him that spoke to him, Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?

Context

This question follows the announcement that his family seeks him. It marks a turning point where Jesus reframes social ties in spiritual terms. The crowd hears him redefine family, which underscores the radical nature of discipleship and anticipates verse 50’s definition of true kinship.

v.47And one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee.

v.48This passage

v.49And he stretched forth his hand towards his disciples, and said, Behold, my mother and my brethren!

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 10:37

    He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

  • Mark 3:32

    And a multitude was sitting about him; and they say unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:16

    Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

  • Luke 2:49

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house?

  • Luke 2:52

    And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

  • Deuteronomy 33:9

    Who said of his father, and of his mother, I have not seen him; Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, Nor knew he his own children: For they have observed thy word, And keep thy covenant.

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