Mark 6:3
What does Mark 6:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 6:3 means
Mark 6:3 records the townspeople’s attempt to explain Jesus by his human background: calling him “the carpenter,” son of Mary, and naming his brothers and sisters. Their appeal to his ordinary family life is an effort to disqualify him from authority. By focusing on his human relations, they imply Jesus is no more than a local craftsman. The verse shows how familiarity breeds contempt: those who knew his family find it hard to accept his public role. Their offense reveals unbelief rooted in social prejudice rather than careful evaluation of his words and works.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Is not this the woodworker, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were bitter against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?' --and they were being stumbled at him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and Jude, and Simon? are not also his sisters here with us? And they were scandalized in regard of him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.
Context
This verse deepens the reaction introduced in verse 2 by showing the specific form of the community’s unbelief. Instead of engaging Jesus’ teaching, they reduce him to a neighbor with family ties. This response prepares the familiar proverb Jesus will use in the next verse and explains why his miraculous ministry is limited in Nazareth. The verse bridges the public astonishment and the personal rejection that follows.
v.2And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and what mean such mighty works wrought by his hands?
v.3This passage
v.4And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.
- Luke 2:34
and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
- Mark 15:40
And there were also women beholding from afar: among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
- Luke 7:23
And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.
- 1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;
- Isaiah 49:7
Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.
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