Luke 8:21

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

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}.

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

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

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

In Luke 8:21, Jesus delivers a profound statement that redefines the concept of family and true kinship. This verse captures a pivotal moment where Jesus shifts the focus from biological ties to spiritual alignment, emphasizing the importance of active obedience to God's Word over mere association.

Context

This verse immediately follows an incident where Jesus' mother and brothers came seeking Him, but due to the large crowd, they could not reach Him (Luke 8:19-20). When informed of their presence, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach a deeper spiritual truth. This teaching aligns with the preceding Parable of the Sower, where the "good ground" represents those who "hear the word, and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15). His response serves as a clarification of who truly belongs to His inner circle and the family of God.

Key Themes

  • Redefinition of Family: Jesus challenges the traditional understanding of family, asserting that spiritual connection through obedience to God's will is more significant than blood relation. This teaching underscores that true belonging in the kingdom of God is based on a shared commitment to divine truth.
  • The Primacy of Obedience: The phrase "hear the word of God, and do it" is central. It highlights that genuine faith involves not only listening to God's commands but actively living them out. Mere intellectual assent or passive hearing is insufficient; action is required. This theme is echoed throughout Jesus' ministry, emphasizing a faith that produces fruit.
  • True Discipleship: This verse serves as a definition of what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. It's not about proximity to Him physically, but about spiritual affinity and active participation in His mission through obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hear the word of God, and do it" translates from the Greek akouō ton logon tou theou kai poiō auton. The verb poiō (to do, make, perform) implies an active, intentional, and continuous carrying out of the Word. It signifies not just a one-time act but a lifestyle of obedience. This active "doing" contrasts sharply with merely hearing, which Jesus often warned against, as seen in the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27).

Related Scriptures

This teaching has direct parallels in the other Synoptic Gospels:

  • 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 3:35: "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
The importance of active obedience is further emphasized in James 1:22: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Practical Application

Luke 8:21 challenges believers today to examine the depth of their commitment to Christ. It calls us to:

  • Prioritize Spiritual Family: Recognize and value the bonds of faith that unite believers, seeing fellow disciples as true spiritual family members.
  • Move Beyond Passive Hearing: It's insufficient to merely attend church, read the Bible, or listen to sermons. The true test of faith is in applying God's principles to daily life.
  • Cultivate Active Obedience: Strive to live out the teachings of Jesus in every area of life. This involves making conscious choices to follow God's will, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. This active faith is the hallmark of a genuine disciple and leads to spiritual growth and blessing, as Jesus Himself stated, "Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it" (Luke 11:28).

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.

  • 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.

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