Devine Scripture

Mark 3:35

What does Mark 3:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 3:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 3:35 means

Jesus culminates his teaching on family by declaring that true spiritual kinship is defined by obedience to God's will. "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." This profound statement elevates spiritual relationship above physical ties, emphasizing that those who align their lives with God's purpose become part of his eternal family. This call to obedience is an invitation to all believers to share in his intimate connection with God, becoming heirs with Christ, and sharing in his family.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Whoever does God's pleasure, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for whoever may do the will of God, he is my brother, and my sister, and mother.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for whosoever shall do the will ofGod, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Context

This verse delivers the concluding and defining principle of Jesus' teaching on family. It offers the spiritual truth that underpins his earlier gestures and questions, directly contrasting with the biological ties of the preceding verses. This final statement profoundly redefines family based on spiritual obedience, providing a powerful summary to the chapter's themes of discipleship and allegiance to God.

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

v.35This passage

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 3:22

    and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

  • James 1:25

    But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.

  • Matthew 7:21

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

  • 1 John 2:17

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • John 7:17

    If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.

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