Devine Scripture

Mark 3:33

What does Mark 3:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:33 means

In response to the news that his mother and brothers are calling for him, Jesus poses a rhetorical question: "Who is my mother and my brethren?" This is not a rejection of his biological family, but a deliberate challenge to the conventional understanding of family ties. He uses this moment to elevate spiritual relationship to a position of greater importance, preparing his listeners for a radical redefinition of kinship that transcends mere bloodlines.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said in answer, Who are my mother and my brothers?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answered them, saying, `Who is my mother, or my brethren?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And answering them, he said: Who is my mother and my brethren?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother or my brethren?

Context

Following the notification of his family's presence, Jesus responds with a thought-provoking question. This immediate query establishes the theme of redefining family relationships, which contrasts with the natural ties presented in the previous verses. This question sets the stage for his expansive definition of his true family, immediately shown by his gesture towards those around him.

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

v.33This passage

v.34And looking round on them that sat round about him, he saith, Behold, my mother and my brethren!

Cross references

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

  • Mark 3:21

    And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

  • John 2:4

    And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

  • 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.

  • John 7:3

    His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest.

  • 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?

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