Luke 8:19

Then came to him [his] mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

Then {G1161} came {G3854} to {G4314} him {G846} his mother {G3384} and {G2532} his {G846} brethren {G80}, and {G2532} could {G1410} not {G3756} come {G4940} at him {G846} for {G1223} the press {G3793}.

Then Yeshua's mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn't get near him because of the crowd.

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd.

And there came to him his mother and brethren, and they could not come at him for the crowd.

Context of Luke 8:19

Luke 8:19 introduces a brief but significant interlude in Jesus' active ministry, primarily in Galilee. At this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is deeply engaged in teaching parables, healing the sick, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, drawing immense crowds wherever He goes. The preceding verses in Luke 8 detail the Parable of the Sower and its explanation, highlighting Jesus' public teaching. The arrival of His mother, Mary, and His brothers amidst such a throng sets the immediate scene for a crucial teaching moment that redefines spiritual family.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Demands of Ministry and Popularity: The phrase "could not come at him for the press" vividly illustrates the overwhelming popularity and constant demands placed upon Jesus. People were drawn to Him in such numbers that even His own family found it impossible to reach Him directly. This highlights the intense public interest in His words and miraculous works, signifying the power of His message.
  • Physical Barriers and Spiritual Truth: The physical barrier created by the crowd serves as a backdrop for a deeper spiritual truth Jesus is about to reveal. The inability of His biological family to reach Him naturally leads into His teaching about who truly constitutes His family.
  • Setting the Stage for Spiritual Family: This verse is crucial as it directly precedes Jesus' powerful declaration in Luke 8:21 (and its parallels in Matthew 12:46-50 and Mark 3:31-35), where He defines His true family as those who hear the word of God and do it.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "for the press" translates the Greek word ochlos (ὄχλος), which literally means a "crowd," "multitude," or "throng." It emphasizes the sheer volume and density of people surrounding Jesus, making physical access extremely difficult. This term is frequently used in the Gospels to describe the large groups of people who followed Jesus, eager to hear Him teach or witness His miracles.

Practical Application

Luke 8:19, especially when read in conjunction with the subsequent verses, offers profound practical applications for believers today:

  • Redefining Family Priorities: While respecting and loving our biological families is a biblical command, Jesus' teaching here elevates the spiritual family—those who are united by faith and obedience to God's will—to a preeminent position. It challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God and our fellow believers who are children of God by faith.
  • Commitment to God's Word: The passage underscores that true kinship with Christ is not based on bloodlines or physical proximity, but on hearing and obeying God's word. This calls for a deep and active commitment to being doers of the word, not just hearers.
  • The Enduring Appeal of Christ: Even today, people are drawn to Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us of the constant spiritual "press" or hunger for truth and hope that only He can satisfy.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 12:46

    ¶ While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

  • Matthew 12:50

    For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

  • Mark 3:31

    ¶ There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

  • Mark 3:35

    For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

  • Mark 3:21

    And when his friends heard [of it], they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back