Mark 3:31

Authorized King James Version

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἔρχονται

G2064

There came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

οῦν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὶ

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μήτηρ

G3384

his mother

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἔξω

G1854

without

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

#11

ἑστῶτες

G2476

standing

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#12

ἀπέστειλαν

G649

sent

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

#13

πρὸς

G4314

unto

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,

#14

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

#15

φωνοῦντες

G5455

calling

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

#16

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus