Devine Scripture

Mark 3:32

What does Mark 3:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:32 means

A large crowd is seated around Jesus, intently listening to his teaching. Someone informs him that his mother and brothers are outside and wish to speak with him. This message creates a subtle tension, juxtaposing the immediate, engaged audience within the house with his biological family waiting outside, setting up Jesus' revolutionary teaching about spiritual kinship over mere physical lineage. The crowd represents his receptive listeners.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And a great number were seated round him; and they said to him, See, your mother and your brothers are outside looking for you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a multitude was sitting about him, and they said to him, `Lo, thy mother and thy brethren without do seek thee.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the multitude sat about him; and they say to him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And a crowd sat around him. And they said to him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren seek thee without.

Context

This verse immediately builds on the arrival of Jesus' family, providing the dialogue that brings their request to Jesus' attention. The contrast between the attentive crowd and the waiting family outside sets the spiritual tension for Jesus' response. This direct message to Jesus serves as the catalyst for his profound teaching on spiritual family, which will redefine relationships.

v.31And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him.

v.32This passage

v.33And he answereth them, and saith, Who is my mother and my brethren?

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