Luke 8:21

KJV

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, My {G3450} mother {G3384} and {G2532} my {G3450} brethren {G80} are {G1526} these {G3778} which {G3588} hear {G191} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} do {G4160} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he gave them this answer: "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's message and act on it!"

Berean Standard Bible

But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.”

American Standard Version

But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 8:21, Jesus profoundly redefines the concept of family, shifting the emphasis from biological lineage to spiritual kinship. Responding to the news that His mother and brothers sought Him, Jesus declares that His true family consists of those who actively hear and obey the word of God, establishing a new paradigm where spiritual alignment and active discipleship supersede traditional familial ties. This statement underscores the transformative nature of His kingdom, inviting all who commit to God's will into an intimate relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal statement by Jesus immediately follows an attempt by His biological mother and brothers to speak with Him, as recorded in [Luke 8:19-20](/luke/8-19-20 "Luke 8:19-20 - Jesus' Mother and Brothers Seek Him"). A crowd had gathered around Jesus, making it impossible for His family to reach Him directly. When informed of their presence, Jesus seizes the moment not to dismiss His family, but to elevate a deeper spiritual truth. This teaching also resonates powerfully with the preceding [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower"), particularly the explanation of the "good ground" in [Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Ground"), which describes those who "hear the word, and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." Jesus' declaration in [Luke 8:21](/luke/8-21 "Luke 8:21 - Jesus Defines His True Family") serves as a practical application and clarification of who truly belongs to His spiritual household, emphasizing that genuine connection is forged through obedient engagement with divine truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, family (the _mishpachah_) was the foundational unit of identity, security, and social structure. Bloodlines, tribal affiliations, and familial honor were paramount. To be part of a family meant belonging, protection, and a clear social standing. Jesus' statement in [Luke 8:21](/luke/8-21 "Luke 8:21 - Jesus Redefines Family") would have been startling and counter-cultural to His audience, as it seemingly places spiritual allegiance above the deeply ingrained and highly valued biological ties. This radical redefinition challenged the social norms of the day, indicating that the new community Jesus was forming, the "family of God," would operate on different principles than those of the earthly realm. It highlighted the revolutionary nature of the kingdom He was inaugurating, where spiritual rebirth and obedience to God's will would establish a new, more profound form of kinship.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 8:21](/luke/8-21 "Luke 8:21 - The True Family of God") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the **Redefinition of Family**, asserting that spiritual connection through active obedience to God's will is more significant than any biological relationship. This theme underscores that true belonging in the [kingdom of God](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God Within You") is based on a shared commitment to divine truth and discipleship. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Primacy of Obedience**. The phrase "hear the word of God, and do it" is central, highlighting that genuine faith involves not only intellectual assent or passive listening but also the active, ongoing living out of God's commands. This theme is consistently echoed throughout Jesus' teachings, from the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders") to His final instructions. Lastly, the verse defines **True Discipleship**. It clarifies that being a true follower of Jesus is not about physical proximity or familial association, but about spiritual affinity and active participation in His mission through a life of faithful obedience. This call to action distinguishes genuine disciples from mere admirers or casual hearers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō_):** This primary verb signifies "to hear" in various senses, including giving audience, coming to the ears, and understanding. In this context, it implies not merely the physical act of perceiving sound, but a receptive and attentive listening that leads to comprehension and engagement. It suggests an inward appropriation of the message, not just an outward reception.
* **word (Greek, _lógos_):** Derived from _légō_ (to speak), _lógos_ refers to something said, including the thought or reason behind it. It encompasses discourse, reasoning, and communication. Here, "the word of God" refers to the divine revelation, the teachings of Jesus, and the will of God as expressed through Scripture and His Son. It is the authoritative message that demands a response.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō_):** This verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application, implying action, performance, and execution. It suggests an active, intentional, and continuous carrying out of the Word. It signifies not just a one-time act but a lifestyle of obedience, contrasting sharply with passive hearing and emphasizing that genuine faith culminates in tangible action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and said unto them,"**: This introductory phrase sets the scene, indicating Jesus' deliberate and authoritative response to the news about His biological family. It highlights that His subsequent words are not a casual remark but a profound teaching opportunity.
* **"My mother and my brethren are these"**: Jesus uses this statement to establish a new criterion for defining His true family. He is not denying His biological ties but asserting that there is a deeper, more significant form of kinship that transcends blood relations. The demonstrative pronoun "these" points to a specific group, which He then defines.
* **"which hear the word of God,"**: This clause specifies the first characteristic of His true family: they are those who genuinely listen to and receive God's divine message. This "hearing" implies an attentive, receptive, and understanding engagement with the truth, moving beyond mere auditory perception to intellectual and spiritual apprehension.
* **"and do it."**: This crucial concluding phrase completes the definition, emphasizing that true kinship with Jesus requires not just hearing but active obedience to God's word. The act of "doing" signifies a practical, lived-out faith, where one's actions align with the divine will. It is the tangible evidence of genuine discipleship and the ultimate mark of belonging to Jesus' spiritual family.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:21 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Redefinition**, where Jesus takes a common and deeply held concept—family—and reinterprets it through a spiritual lens. This creates a **Paradox** for the audience, as it challenges their ingrained cultural understanding of kinship by asserting that spiritual obedience holds greater weight than biological ties. The statement functions as a **Didactic Statement**, serving as a direct teaching moment for His disciples and the surrounding crowd, clarifying the nature of true belonging in the kingdom of God. Furthermore, the phrase "My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it" can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where "mother" and "brethren" become symbolic of spiritual affinity and shared commitment rather than solely biological relationship. This re-framing underscores the radical and inclusive nature of the new covenant community Jesus is establishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:21 stands as a cornerstone in understanding the nature of the new covenant community inaugurated by Jesus. It fundamentally shifts the basis of belonging from natural birth and familial lineage to spiritual rebirth and active obedience to God's will. This redefinition is not a rejection of earthly family, but an elevation of the spiritual family, demonstrating that the bonds formed through shared faith and submission to God are of eternal significance. It highlights that the kingdom of God is open to all who respond to His word with obedient hearts, creating a global family united by Christ. This principle underscores the universal call to discipleship and the transformative power of God's word in shaping one's identity and relationships.

* [Matthew 12:50](/matthew/12-50 "Matthew 12:50 - Jesus' True Family"): "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
* [Mark 3:35](/mark/3-35 "Mark 3:35 - Jesus' True Family"): "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word"): "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:21 serves as a profound challenge and invitation for believers today. It compels us to examine where our deepest loyalties lie and what truly defines our identity and community. In a world that often prioritizes bloodlines, social status, or personal achievement, Jesus calls us into a radical spiritual family where the common bond is a shared commitment to hearing and obeying God's Word. This means moving beyond passive consumption of spiritual truth—attending church, reading the Bible, listening to sermons—to actively integrating God's principles into every facet of our lives. It calls for a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, living obedience that shapes our decisions, relationships, and priorities. Embracing this truth fosters a profound sense of belonging within the global body of Christ, where fellow believers become our truest family, united by the Spirit and a common pursuit of God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' redefinition of family challenge my own understanding of belonging and loyalty?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I merely "hearing" the word of God, rather than actively "doing" it?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to move from passive hearing to active obedience in my daily life?**
* **How can I better prioritize and nurture my relationships with my spiritual family—fellow believers—in light of this verse?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus reject His biological family in this verse?**

Answer: No, Jesus does not reject His biological family. Instead, He uses the occasion to teach a profound spiritual truth that transcends biological ties. His statement in [Luke 8:21](/luke/8-21 "Luke 8:21 - Jesus' Redefinition of Family") elevates the spiritual relationship with God, formed through obedience to His word, as the ultimate and most significant form of kinship. It's an expansion of the concept of family, not a negation of His earthly one. He consistently honored His mother (e.g., [John 19:26-27](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother from the Cross")), but His primary mission was to establish the family of God for all who believe and obey.

**What does it mean to "hear the word of God, and do it"?**

Answer: To "hear the word of God" implies more than just auditory perception; it means to listen attentively, understand, and receive God's message into one's heart (as seen in the [Parable of the Sower in Luke 8](/luke/8 "Luke 8 - Parables and Miracles")). To "do it" means to actively obey, apply, and live out those truths in one's daily life. It signifies a faith that is not merely intellectual or emotional, but one that results in tangible action and transformed behavior. This active obedience is the hallmark of true discipleship, as emphasized in passages like [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers, Not Just Hearers"). It's about aligning one's will with God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied what it means to "hear the word of God, and do it." From His baptism, where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Voice from Heaven at Jesus' Baptism")), to His unwavering commitment to the Father's will even unto death on the cross, Jesus consistently lived a life of perfect obedience ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the prototype of the true "brother" and "mother" in God's family, demonstrating that true kinship with God is forged through complete submission to His divine word. Furthermore, through His atoning work, Jesus makes it possible for us, who are naturally alienated from God, to be adopted into this spiritual family ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to "hear" with understanding and "do" God's will, becoming co-heirs with Christ and true members of God's household ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, Jesus not only defines the true family of God but also provides the means for humanity to enter and live within it.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 11:27

¶ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

1 John 2:29

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.