Keraia
Mark 3

Mark 3:33

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers · Mark 3:31–35
Read Mark 3

Translations

Modern
But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
Traditional
And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
Literal
And answering them, He says, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”
Latin
Et respondens eis, ait: Quæ est mater mea et fratres mei?

Interlinear

Greek
English
But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”

Notes

Mark 3:33–34

In God’s Kingdom, one’s true relatives are determined not by blood but by a faith relationship (see also 10:29–30).

Mark 3:31–35

  • Mark returns to the story from 3:20–21.

  • Your mother and brothers: Many people understand the brothers of Jesus to be children born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus was born (see also 6:3; Matthew 1:25; 12:46; John 19:26–27). Some interpreters think they were Joseph’s children from an earlier marriage or the cousins of Jesus. They hold this view because of the Roman Catholic belief that Mary remained a virgin for her whole life.

Mark 3:20–35

This story about Jesus and his family (3:20–21 and 31–35) surrounds a controversy story about Jesus driving out demons (3:22–30). This arrangement connects his family with the religious leaders, since both groups misunderstand him and stand against him.

Theme notes and profiles

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Parallels

Matthew 12:46–50 Luke 8:19–21

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) James (Person) Joseph Mark, Gospel of

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Love of Qualities of Christ Righteousness: Fruits of