Devine Scripture

Mark 3:34

What does Mark 3:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:34 means

Jesus physically turns and looks at the diverse group of people seated around him, presumably his disciples and other earnest listeners. With a sweeping gesture, he declares, "Behold, my mother and my brethren!" This dramatic action visually identifies his true spiritual family not by biological lineage, but by spiritual affinity. His gaze and declaration show that those who are present and listening to his teaching are the ones he considers his closest kin, setting up his profound redefinition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And looking round at those who were seated about him, he said, See, my mother and my brothers!

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having looked round in a circle to those sitting about him, he saith, `Lo, my mother and my brethren!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And looking round about on them who sat about him, he saith: Behold my mother and my brethren.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And looking around in a circuit at those that were sitting around him, he says, Behold my mother and my brethren:

Context

This verse provides the immediate visual answer to Jesus' rhetorical question. His turning and gesturing towards the surrounding crowd acts as a powerful object lesson, directly identifying those who comprise his true family. This dramatic declaration sets the stage for the definitive explanation in the final verse, clarifying the criteria for belonging to his spiritual household.

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

v.34This passage

v.35For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Cross references

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

  • John 20:17

    Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.

  • 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.

  • Song of Solomon 4:9

    Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, mybride; Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck.

  • Psalms 22:22

    I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the assembly will I praise thee.

  • Hebrews 2:11

    For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

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