Matthew 12:46
While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
he
G846
αὐτῷ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοις
to the people
G3793
ὄχλοις
to the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
6 of 18
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
his mother
G3384
μήτηρ
his mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
9 of 18
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
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 #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
his brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
his brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
12 of 18
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτῷ
he
G846
αὐτῷ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 18
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
εἱστήκεισαν
stood
G2476
εἱστήκεισαν
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
14 of 18
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ζητοῦντες
desiring
G2212
ζητοῦντες
desiring
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
16 of 18
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Cross References
Matthew 13:55Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?John 7:3His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.John 2:12After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.John 7:5For neither did his brethren believe in him.Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.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.Galatians 1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.1 Corinthians 9:5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?John 7:10But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.Mark 2:21No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
Historical Context
During Jesus's intense Galilean ministry, his family grew concerned about his controversial teaching and confrontations with religious authorities. Their attempt to interrupt his teaching reveals that even biological proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee understanding of his kingdom mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mary's misunderstanding here challenge Roman Catholic doctrines of her perpetual perfection and co-redemptrix role?
- When has family pressure or concern tried to pull you away from God's calling on your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
His mother and his brethren stood without (ἡ μήτηρ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ εἱστήκεισαν ἔξω, hē mētēr kai hoi adelphoi autou heistēkeisan exō)—Mary and Jesus's half-brothers (James, Joses, Simon, Judas—Matthew 13:55) arrived, standing 'outside' (ἔξω, exō). John 7:5 explicitly states 'his brethren did not believe in him' until after the resurrection.
Mark 3:21 provides crucial context: family members came to 'lay hold on him' because they thought 'he is beside himself' (mentally unstable). This wasn't a casual visit but an intervention attempt. Mary, though blessed among women, was not infallible; even she misunderstood Jesus's mission at times (cf. John 2:4).