Mark Chapter 3 · Verse 31
There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
Original Language Analysis
ἔρχονται
There came
G2064
ἔρχονται
There came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
his mother
G3384
μήτηρ
his mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
7 of 16
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑστῶτες
standing
G2476
ἑστῶτες
standing
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
11 of 16
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
12 of 16
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Jewish culture emphasized family obligation and honor. For Jesus to ignore family summons would be culturally shocking, seen as dishonoring parents and relatives. His half-brothers James, Joses, Judas, and Simon are mentioned in Mark 6:3. Initially skeptical, they later became believers after resurrection—James became Jerusalem church leader and wrote the epistle bearing his name. Mary's presence suggests maternal concern for Jesus' wellbeing given religious opposition and exhausting ministry demands. Extended families lived in close proximity and exercised strong social pressure for conformity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' family's skepticism encourage you when loved ones don't understand your faith?
- What does this passage teach about prioritizing kingdom demands over family expectations?
- How do you respond when family loyalty conflicts with following Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' 'brethren and his mother' come seeking Him. The word 'brethren' (ἀδελφοί) refers to Jesus' half-brothers—Mary's sons born after Jesus. They 'stood without' (outside) sending message, 'calling him'—summoning Him to come out. Their presence interrupts Jesus' teaching. Verse 21 indicates His family thought He was 'beside himself' (mentally unbalanced) and came to restrain Him. This reveals that even His family initially didn't believe (John 7:5), struggling to understand His mission. Their attempted intervention demonstrates how radical discipleship challenges family loyalties.