Mark 3:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

Complete Jewish Bible:

He replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"

Berean Standard Bible:

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

American Standard Version:

And he answereth them, and saith, Who is my mother and my brethren?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he answered^{G611} them^{G846}, saying^{G3004}, Who^{G5101} is^{G2076} my^{G3450} mother^{G3384}, or^{G2228} my^{G3450} brethren^{G80}?

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Commentary for Mark 3:33

Mark 3:33 is part of a larger narrative in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus is teaching and performing miracles, which has attracted large crowds. In this specific context, Jesus' family is trying to reach him, likely out of concern or to restrain him, as the public's response to his ministry is growing increasingly intense. When informed that his mother and brothers are outside seeking him, Jesus uses the occasion to teach a profound spiritual truth.

The verse captures a pivotal moment where Jesus redefines the concept of family, not limiting it to biological ties but expanding it to include those who do the will of God. By asking, "Who is my mother, or my brethren?" Jesus is not rejecting his family, but rather emphasizing that spiritual relationships are as significant, if not more so, than physical ones. This reflects the early Christian community's understanding that following Jesus creates a new kinship that transcends traditional family structures.

Historically, this verse reflects the tension between Jesus' mission and the expectations of his biological family, a common motif in the Gospels. It also highlights the radical nature of Jesus' call to discipleship, which often required individuals to prioritize their commitment to him over conventional social obligations. In the broader context of the first century, Jesus' words would have been revolutionary, challenging the prevailing cultural norms that placed a high value on family loyalty and ancestral heritage.

In summary, Mark 3:33 is a powerful statement by Jesus that underscores the primacy of spiritual over biological family ties and illustrates the transformative impact of joining the family of God through faith and obedience. This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' message about the kingdom of God, where relationships are redefined by a commitment to God's will rather than by earthly connections.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G611
   There are 248 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀποκρίνομαι
   Transliteration: apokrínomai
   Pronunciation: ap-ok-ree'-nom-ahee
   Description: from ἀπό and ; to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected):--answer.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5101
   There are 483 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τίς
   Transliteration: tís
   Pronunciation: tis
   Description: probably emphatic of τὶς; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2076
   There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστί
   Transliteration: estí
   Pronunciation: es-tee'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3450
   There are 471 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μοῦ
   Transliteration: moû
   Pronunciation: moo
   Description: the simpler form of ἐμοῦ; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3384
   There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μήτηρ
   Transliteration: mḗtēr
   Pronunciation: may'-tare
   Description: apparently a primary word; a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote):--mother.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2228
   There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἤ
   Transliteration: ḗ
   Pronunciation: ay
   Description: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially ἤδη, ἤπερ, ἤτοι.
   
10. Strong's Number: G80
    There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀδελφός
    Transliteration: adelphós
    Pronunciation: ad-el-fos'
    Description: from Α (as a connective particle) and (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like Α):--brother.