Matthew 12:47

KJV

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} one {G5100} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Behold {G2400}, thy {G4675} mother {G3384} and {G2532} thy {G4675} brethren {G80} stand {G2476} without {G1854}, desiring {G2212} to speak {G2980} with thee {G4671}.

Berean Standard Bible

Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”

American Standard Version

And one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:47 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where the arrival of His earthly mother and brothers interrupts His teaching, setting the stage for a profound redefinition of true kinship. This seemingly simple announcement serves as a narrative pivot, shifting the focus from the escalating conflict with religious authorities to the nature of spiritual family, highlighting Jesus' unwavering commitment to His divine mission and the preeminence of obedience to God's will over biological ties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 12:47 is situated within a highly charged section of Matthew's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' powerful discourse on the nature of spiritual authority and the unpardonable sin. Prior to this verse, Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed man, prompting the Pharisees to accuse Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons ([Matthew 12:22-24](/matthew/12-22-24 "Matthew 12:22-24 - Jesus Heals, Pharisees Accuse")). Jesus refutes their baseless claims, warns against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and emphasizes that a tree is known by its fruit, concluding with a stark warning about the judgment for idle words ([Matthew 12:25-37](/matthew/12-25-37 "Matthew 12:25-37 - Jesus' Rebuttal and Warning")). He then addresses the crowd's demand for a sign, offering only the "sign of Jonah" ([Matthew 12:38-42](/matthew/12-38-42 "Matthew 12:38-42 - The Sign of Jonah")). The verse directly preceding Matthew 12:47 describes Jesus teaching about the return of an unclean spirit, illustrating the perilous state of those who reject God's truth ([Matthew 12:43-45](/matthew/12-43-45 "Matthew 12:43-45 - The Return of the Unclean Spirit")). It is precisely at this moment, while Jesus is still speaking to the multitudes, that the announcement of His family's arrival is made, serving as an immediate catalyst for His subsequent teaching on spiritual family in [Matthew 12:48-50](/matthew/12-48-50 "Matthew 12:48-50 - Jesus Defines His True Family")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, family ties were paramount. Lineage, clan, and household were fundamental to identity, social standing, and economic security. The concept of "family" (oikos) extended beyond the nuclear unit to include extended relatives, servants, and even close associates, forming a primary social and economic network. For Jesus' family to seek Him out in public, especially during a teaching session, suggests a matter of some urgency or concern, perhaps even an attempt to persuade Him to return home or temper His public ministry, as hinted at in [Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - His Family's Concern")). The crowd gathered around Jesus would have been a common sight for a popular rabbi or teacher, and the public nature of the announcement underscores the interruption. The reference to "mother and brethren" indicates Mary and Jesus' half-brothers, children born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus, as confirmed by other New Testament passages ([Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Jesus' Brothers and Sisters")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **tension between earthly relationships and divine calling**. Jesus' ministry consistently demonstrates His prioritization of God's will over conventional societal expectations, including familial obligations. Secondly, it foreshadows and directly introduces the theme of **redefining family based on spiritual allegiance**. The physical presence of His blood relatives prompts Jesus to articulate a radical new understanding of kinship, where obedience to God's will transcends biological ties, establishing a spiritual family of disciples ([Matthew 12:49-50](/matthew/12-49-50 "Matthew 12:49-50 - Jesus' Spiritual Family")). Thirdly, it underscores **Jesus' unwavering focus on His mission**. Despite the personal nature of the interruption, Jesus does not immediately dismiss the crowd or attend to His family but uses the moment as a teaching opportunity, demonstrating His commitment to proclaiming the kingdom of God. This moment also subtly contributes to the theme of **Jesus' authority**, as He, not His family, dictates the terms of engagement and the nature of His true relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb (G2036) indicates the act of uttering words or speaking. In this context, it signifies a direct verbal communication from someone in the crowd to Jesus, conveying the message about His family's arrival. It's a straightforward report, setting the scene for Jesus' response.
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** As an imperative (G2400), "behold" serves as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to what follows. It's a dramatic particle, often used in the New Testament to introduce something significant or surprising, compelling the listener to observe or consider the stated fact. Here, it emphasizes the presence of Jesus' family as a notable event.
* **desiring (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This verb (G2212) means "to seek" or "to desire." It implies a purposeful intent on the part of Jesus' mother and brothers to engage with Him. While the specific nature of their desire is not stated, the word suggests an active pursuit, indicating they had a specific reason for wanting to speak with Him, rather than a casual visit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then one said unto him":** This phrase indicates an immediate report from an unnamed individual within the crowd to Jesus. The "Then" (G1161, _dé_) links this event directly to Jesus' preceding discourse, signifying a continuation of the narrative flow but also a shift in focus. The "one" (G5100, _tìs_) is an indefinite pronoun, highlighting that the messenger is not a significant character in themselves, but merely the conveyer of information.
* **"Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without":** The messenger uses the attention-grabbing interjection "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) to emphasize the presence of Jesus' family. "Thy mother and thy brethren" explicitly identifies Mary and Jesus' biological half-brothers. The phrase "stand without" (G1854, _éxō_, and G2476, _hístēmi_) indicates they are physically outside the immediate vicinity where Jesus is teaching, unable or unwilling to enter the crowded space, perhaps respecting the public nature of His teaching or due to the sheer number of people.
* **"desiring to speak with thee":** This final clause clarifies the purpose of their presence. "Desiring" (G2212, _zētéō_) implies a strong intention or wish, and "to speak with thee" (G2980, _laléō_, and G4671, _soí_) indicates their aim to have a personal conversation with Jesus. The text does not specify their reason, leaving it open to interpretation, but it sets up the contrast between earthly and spiritual priorities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Interruption** as a key literary device. The announcement about Jesus' family breaks into His ongoing teaching, creating a sudden shift in focus for both Jesus and the reader. This interruption is not merely a plot device but serves a theological purpose, setting the stage for Jesus' profound redefinition of family. The use of **Direct Speech** ("Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee") adds immediacy and authenticity to the scene, allowing the reader to experience the announcement as it happens. Furthermore, the unnamed "one" who speaks functions as a **Foil** or a **Catalyst**, whose simple message unexpectedly precipitates a deeper theological teaching from Jesus, highlighting how seemingly mundane events can become opportunities for divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:47, while brief, is theologically rich as it directly precedes Jesus' groundbreaking teaching on the nature of true family. It underscores the tension between biological kinship and spiritual allegiance, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. Jesus' response in the subsequent verses elevates obedience to God's will above all other relationships, establishing a new covenant community defined not by bloodline but by shared faith and commitment to the Father's purpose. This passage challenges the conventional understanding of family, asserting that spiritual connection to Christ, demonstrated through active discipleship, forms the deepest and most enduring bond.

* [Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus' True Family")
* [Luke 8:19-21](/luke/8-19-21 "Luke 8:19-21 - Jesus' Mother and Brothers")
* [John 15:14](/john/15-14 "John 15:14 - You Are My Friends if You Do What I Command")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:47 invites us to critically examine our own priorities and allegiances. In a world that often prioritizes blood ties, social networks, or personal comfort, Jesus' response to this interruption challenges us to consider what truly defines our identity and our deepest connections. It prompts us to ask whether our primary allegiance lies with earthly relationships and expectations, or with the divine will of God. True belonging, according to Jesus, is not merely inherited or assumed; it is forged through active obedience and a shared commitment to the Father's purposes. This passage encourages believers to live with a kingdom-first mindset, understanding that spiritual kinship with Christ and fellow believers, established through doing God's will, is a relationship of eternal significance that transcends all earthly bonds. It calls us to embody a radical discipleship where Christ's mission and God's word take precedence in our lives, shaping our choices, our relationships, and our very identity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I prioritize my earthly relationships versus my spiritual relationship with Christ and His body?**
* **In what ways might my family or social expectations sometimes conflict with my commitment to doing God's will?**
* **What does it practically mean to be part of Jesus' spiritual family, and how does that influence my daily life and decisions?**
* **Am I willing to allow God's will to redefine my understanding of what is truly important, even if it challenges my preconceived notions of family or belonging?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus' mother and brothers want to speak with Him?**

Answer: The Gospel of Matthew does not explicitly state their reason for wanting to speak with Jesus. However, the parallel account in [Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - His Family's Concern") suggests that His family believed He was "out of his mind" and sought to "lay hold of Him," possibly to bring Him home or to restrain Him from His intense public ministry, which they might have perceived as jeopardizing His safety or reputation. Their desire "to speak with thee" (Matthew 12:47) could imply a personal intervention or an urgent private matter, rather than a supportive visit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:47, though a simple narrative interjection, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' subsequent redefinition of family. This moment is not merely about Jesus prioritizing His ministry; it reveals the very essence of the new covenant community He came to establish. Jesus, the Son of God, came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, including the law of love and relationship. By declaring that those who "do the will of my Father who is in heaven" are His "brother and sister and mother" ([Matthew 12:50](/matthew/12-50 "Matthew 12:50 - Jesus' Spiritual Kinship")), Jesus inaugurates a spiritual family, a new humanity united by faith and obedience to God, rather than by bloodline or ethnicity. This new family, the Church, is born out of His redemptive work, a community where believers are adopted as children of God through Christ ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), made fellow heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and united as one body in Him ([1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - One Body in Christ")). Jesus' words here foreshadow the inclusive nature of the gospel, breaking down barriers of race, social status, and even family ties, to create a universal family of believers centered on Him as Lord and Savior, whose ultimate bond is the shared Fatherhood of God and obedience to His divine will, made possible through the Spirit He provides ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")).

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.