Devine Scripture

Mark 3:31

What does Mark 3:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:31 means

At this point, Jesus' biological mother and brothers arrive at the house where he is teaching. They stand outside, unable or unwilling to enter due to the crowd, and send a message, calling for him. This scene parallels their earlier attempt to take him away, reinforcing their concern and perhaps their continued misunderstanding of his mission, emphasizing that even those closest by blood ties may not fully grasp his identity, a contrast to his spiritual family.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And his mother and brothers came and were outside, and sent for him, requesting to see him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then come do his brethren and mother, and standing without, they sent unto him, calling him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his mother and his brethren came; and standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And his brethren and his mother come, and standing without sent to him calling him.

Context

Following Jesus' intense confrontation with the scribes and his teaching on blasphemy, a new interruption occurs. This verse introduces his biological family into the scene, immediately following the weighty discussion about spiritual truth. Their external presence and call for him set the stage for Jesus' profound redefinition of true family, which will follow in the subsequent verses.

v.30because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

v.31This passage

v.32And a multitude was sitting about him; and they say unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 8:19

    And there came to him his mother and brethren, and they could not come at him for the crowd.

  • Matthew 12:46

    While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.

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