Matthew 12:47
Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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 #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
7 of 17
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
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 #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
11 of 17
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἑστήκασιν
stand
G2476
ἑστήκασιν
stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
14 of 17
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, family obligations were paramount, and interrupting a teacher for family was expected and honorable. Jesus's response would have shocked his audience, signaling that kingdom priorities transcend even legitimate family claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's redefinition of family challenge modern culture's tendency to make family the ultimate value?
- What does this passage teach about the priority of spiritual relationships over biological ones when they conflict?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee (ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ἑστήκασιν ζητοῦντές σοι λαλῆσαι, hē mētēr sou kai hoi adelphoi sou exō hestēkasin zētountes soi lalēsai)—The verb zēteō (ζητέω, 'seeking/desiring') suggests persistent effort, not casual interest.
The messenger assumed biological family took precedence, but Jesus's response redefines family around spiritual kinship. Notably absent is 'Joseph,' confirming Joseph had died by this point in Jesus's ministry. The verse provides clear evidence against claims of Mary's perpetual virginity—adelphoi (ἀδελφοί) means 'brothers,' not cousins (which would be anepsioi, ἀνεψιοί).