Mark 3:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

There came {G2064} then {G3767} his {G846} brethren {G80} and {G2532} his mother {G3384}, and {G2532}, standing {G2476} without {G1854}, sent {G649} unto {G4314} him {G846}, calling {G5455} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then his mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent a message asking for him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him,

American Standard Version

And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:31 captures a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry, depicting the arrival of His earthly family—His mother and brethren—who stand outside the crowded house and send a message for Him to come out. This seemingly simple event serves as a critical narrative pivot, setting the stage for Jesus' profound redefinition of family, shifting the emphasis from biological ties to spiritual kinship based on obedience to God's will, thereby highlighting the supremacy of His divine mission over conventional societal expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense ministry and escalating conflict for Jesus. In [Mark 3:20-21](/mark/3-20-21 "Mark 3:20-21 - Jesus' Family Concerned"), the narrative reveals that such was the press of the crowd that Jesus and His disciples could not even eat, leading some of His own family to believe He was "out of His mind" and to attempt to seize Him. Directly preceding Mark 3:31, Jesus has just engaged in a sharp theological confrontation with scribes from Jerusalem, who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons ([Mark 3:22-30](/mark/3-22-30 "Mark 3:22-30 - The Beelzebub Accusation")). The arrival of His family thus occurs at a moment of heightened tension and misunderstanding, both from religious authorities and from His closest kin, providing a stark contrast to the spiritual family Jesus is about to define.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, family (the *mishpachah*) was the foundational unit of identity, support, and social structure. Blood ties were paramount, carrying significant obligations and honor. To act outside family expectations or to be perceived as bringing dishonor could be deeply disruptive. Jesus' public ministry, His radical teachings, His association with outcasts, and His apparent disregard for conventional social norms (like eating with tax collectors) would have been deeply unsettling to His family, who likely felt a responsibility to protect His reputation and perhaps even His physical safety. The detail that they were "standing without" suggests not only the physical impossibility of entering the crowded house but also subtly hints at their social and spiritual distance from Jesus' immediate sphere of ministry and understanding.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Misunderstanding of Jesus' Identity and Mission**, a pervasive theme where even those closest to Him struggle to grasp His true nature and divine purpose. His family's attempt to "call him" out reflects a desire to control or normalize His activities, failing to comprehend the spiritual urgency and authority of His work. Secondly, the verse serves as a direct **Interruption of Ministry**, highlighting the constant demands and distractions Jesus faced, even from well-intentioned relatives. This interruption, however, becomes a divine opportunity for Jesus to articulate a profound truth. Most importantly, Mark 3:31 acts as a crucial prelude to the theme of **Redefining Family and Spiritual Kinship**. Jesus' response in [Mark 3:33-35](/mark/3-33-35 "Mark 3:33-35 - Jesus Defines His True Family") radically reorients the concept of family from biological lineage to spiritual obedience, establishing that His true family consists of those who "do the will of God." This theme elevates the Kingdom of God's values above earthly ties, a concept foundational to discipleship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb (G2064) signifies a coming or going in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively. Here, it denotes the physical arrival of Jesus' family. However, given the preceding context (Mark 3:21), this "coming" is not merely a visit but an intervention, implying an intent to "take charge" of Jesus, underscoring their concern and perhaps their belief that He was acting irrationally.
* **without (Greek, _éxō'_):** This adverb (G1854), meaning "outside" or "out of doors," literally describes their physical location. Yet, in the narrative, it carries significant symbolic weight, emphasizing their separation from the inner circle of disciples and the spiritual activity occurring within the house. It subtly suggests a spiritual or conceptual distance in their understanding of Jesus' true mission, contrasting with those inside who were "hearing the word of God."
* **calling (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** This verb (G5455) means "to emit a sound," "to address in words," or "by name." Their act of "calling him" implies an authoritative summons, a demand for His presence, rather than a polite request. It reflects their perceived right as family to command His attention and perhaps to remove Him from the situation they deemed problematic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There came then his brethren and his mother":** This clause establishes the identity of the visitors, emphasizing their familial relationship to Jesus. The inclusion of "then" (G3767, _oûn_) suggests a logical progression from the previous events, particularly the family's earlier concern ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus' Family's Concern")). Their arrival highlights the ongoing tension between Jesus' earthly obligations and His divine calling, setting the stage for a dramatic redefinition of kinship.
* **"and, standing without":** This phrase details their physical position. "Standing" (G2476, _hístēmi_) implies a deliberate posture, perhaps one of waiting or expectation. The location "without" (G1854, _éxō_) is crucial, indicating their inability or unwillingness to enter the crowded house where Jesus was teaching. This physical separation also symbolically represents their spiritual distance and lack of understanding regarding Jesus' true mission and the nature of the Kingdom of God.
* **"sent unto him, calling him.":** This final clause describes their action and intent. Unable to reach Him directly, they dispatch a messenger. Their act of "calling him" (G5455, _phōnéō_) suggests a summons, a demand for Jesus to leave His current activity and attend to them. This highlights their desire to intervene in His ministry, perhaps out of concern, but ultimately demonstrating a misunderstanding of His priorities and divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the scene: while religious leaders accuse Jesus of being demon-possessed, His own family believes He is "out of His mind," yet both groups, for different reasons, seek to control or remove Him from His ministry. This highlights the pervasive misunderstanding of Jesus. **Symbolism** is powerfully conveyed through the phrase "standing without." Their physical position outside the house where Jesus is teaching and healing symbolizes their spiritual distance and lack of comprehension regarding His true identity and the nature of His Kingdom. This "outside" status contrasts sharply with the "inside" circle of those who hear and obey His word. Furthermore, the verse functions as a narrative **Foreshadowing**, directly setting up Jesus' radical redefinition of family in the subsequent verses ([Mark 3:33-35](/mark/3-33-35 "Mark 3:33-35 - Jesus' Redefinition of Family")), where spiritual obedience transcends biological ties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:31 is not merely a biographical detail but a profound theological statement about the nature of discipleship and the Kingdom of God. It underscores that following Jesus demands a reordering of allegiances, where commitment to God's will takes precedence even over the most sacred earthly bonds. Jesus' response to His family's summons reveals that true kinship in the Kingdom is not determined by bloodline but by spiritual obedience and participation in the divine mission. This passage challenges conventional understandings of family and loyalty, inviting believers into a new, spiritual family defined by shared faith and adherence to God's purposes. It highlights the radical demands of discipleship, where one's primary identity becomes "doing the will of God."

* [Matthew 12:46-50](/matthew/12-46-50 "Matthew 12:46-50 - Jesus' True Family")
* [Luke 8:19-21](/luke/8-19-21 "Luke 8:19-21 - Jesus' Mother and Brothers")
* [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:31, in conjunction with Jesus' subsequent teaching, offers profound insights for contemporary believers navigating the complexities of faith and family. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies. While honoring family is a biblical mandate, Jesus unequivocally demonstrates that our primary commitment must be to God's will and His Kingdom. This passage encourages us to embrace the potential for misunderstanding or even opposition from loved ones when we choose to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It reminds us that our spiritual journey may not always be comprehended or supported by those closest to us, and that is okay. More importantly, it celebrates the profound bond of the spiritual family—the Church—where true kinship is forged not by genetics but by a shared commitment to Christ and obedience to God's word. This spiritual family offers a unique community of support, understanding, and shared purpose, fulfilling a deeper need for belonging than any earthly relationship alone can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' redefinition of family challenge my own understanding of loyalty and belonging?**
* **In what areas of my life might my commitment to God's will be hindered by family expectations or traditions?**
* **How can I better prioritize my spiritual family (the Church) while still honoring my biological family?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "do the will of God" in my daily life, as Jesus describes His true family?**

### FAQ
**Why were Jesus' family standing outside and sending for Him?**

Answer: Jesus' family was standing outside because the house where He was teaching was likely overflowing with crowds, making it physically impossible for them to enter and reach Him directly. The Gospel of Mark indicates that Jesus was experiencing such intense ministry that He and His disciples couldn't even eat ([Mark 3:20](/mark/3-20 "Mark 3:20 - Jesus Unable to Eat")). Furthermore, the preceding verses ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus' Family's Concern")) reveal that some of His family believed He was "out of His mind" due to the overwhelming demands and controversial nature of His public ministry. Their act of sending for Him and calling Him out was likely an attempt to intervene, perhaps to remove Him from the public eye or to bring Him home, reflecting their concern and misunderstanding of His divine mission. They sought to control a situation they perceived as problematic, failing to grasp the spiritual significance of His work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:31, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to Christ's unique identity and the nature of the new covenant He inaugurates. Jesus' redefinition of family in response to His earthly kin's summons reveals that His ultimate allegiance is to His Father's will, a perfect obedience that culminates in His atoning sacrifice. He is the one who establishes a new spiritual lineage, a family born not "of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus creates a new community, the Church, where believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with Saints")). This passage foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, where all who believe and obey God's will, regardless of earthly origin, are brought into intimate relationship with God through Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, redefines family to encompass all who respond to His call, demonstrating that His mission was to establish a spiritual kingdom where His followers are bound by a deeper, eternal bond than any earthly tie, all made possible by His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection, which grants us access to the Father ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")).

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 8:19

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

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.

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.