Mark Chapter 3 · Verse 32
And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκάθητο
sat
G2521
ἐκάθητο
sat
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
2 of 19
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ὄχλος
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 19
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
περὶ
about
G4012
περὶ
about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 19
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
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
11 of 19
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
15 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Historical Context
In honor-shame culture, family relationships determined identity and social standing. To ignore family, especially mother, violated cultural norms and brought shame. For messenger to announce family's presence created expectation Jesus would interrupt teaching to attend them—honoring mother was fifth commandment requirement. Jesus' response would shock His audience, demonstrating kingdom priorities transcend traditional family structures. Early Christians experienced this tension as conversion often divided families (Matthew 10:34-37), requiring choosing Christ over family when conflicts arose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge idolatrous elevation of family above Christ?
- What does being 'inside' versus 'outside' Jesus' circle reveal about spiritual relationships?
- How do you respond when family obligations conflict with kingdom priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
The multitude sat around Jesus, creating intimate teaching setting. Someone informed Him: 'Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.' The word 'without' (ἔξω) emphasizes physical and spiritual separation—they're outside the circle of disciples, outside the place of teaching. The verb 'seek' (ζητοῦσίν) can imply urgent searching. This sets up Jesus' profound redefinition of true family relationships based on spiritual kinship rather than biological ties. The contrast between those 'without' and those sitting at Jesus' feet listening is deliberate.