Mark 3:33
And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπεκριθη
he answered
G611
ἀπεκριθη
he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τίς
Who
G5101
Τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
8 of 13
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 6:3Is 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.Mark 3:21And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.Deuteronomy 33:9Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.2 Corinthians 5:16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.John 2:4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.Luke 2:49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture was intensely family-oriented. Identity, security, and social standing derived from kinship. To question family primacy was revolutionary. Jesus' redefinition prepared disciples for reality that following Him might cost family relationships. Early Christians experienced this—Jewish converts were disowned, Gentile believers ostracized. The church became new family providing identity and support. Paul calls believers 'household of God' (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:15), demonstrating spiritual kinship superseding natural family.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' question challenge you to examine where you find primary identity and belonging?
- What does this teach about the church as spiritual family superseding biological ties?
- How do you navigate tension between honoring family and prioritizing kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds with startling question: 'Who is my mother, or my brethren?' This isn't rejection or dishonor but redefinition of primary identity and loyalty. Jesus doesn't deny biological relationships but subordinates them to spiritual reality. The rhetorical question challenges assumptions about what constitutes true family. In kingdom perspective, spiritual relationships supersede biological ties. This anticipates His statement about true family being those who do God's will (v. 35). Jesus demonstrates that gospel creates new family bound by faith, not blood.