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Mark 3:21

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

And {G2532} when his {G846} friends {G3844} heard {G191} of it, they went out {G1831} to lay hold {G2902} on him {G846}: for {G1063} they said {G3004},{G3754} He is beside himself {G1839}.

When his family heard about this, they set out to take charge of him; for they said, "He's out of his mind!"

When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.”

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

Commentary

Context of Mark 3:21

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus' ministry as one of dynamic action and growing opposition. Leading up to Mark 3:21, Jesus has been intensely engaged in healing, teaching, and casting out demons, drawing immense crowds (Mark 3:7-12). So overwhelming was the public demand for His presence that, as mentioned in Mark 3:20, He and His disciples couldn't even find time to eat. This verse captures the reaction of those closest to Him—often interpreted as His family members—who, upon hearing of His relentless and seemingly reckless activity, decided to intervene.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misunderstanding of Jesus: This verse poignantly illustrates that even those in Jesus' immediate circle struggled to comprehend the nature and urgency of His divine mission. Their concern, though perhaps well-intentioned, stemmed from a human perspective that could not grasp the spiritual realities at play.
  • The Radical Nature of Christ's Ministry: Jesus' dedication to His calling was so absolute that it seemed irrational or even dangerous to His family. He prioritized God's will and the needs of the people over personal comfort, rest, or social norms.
  • Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit: The family's attempt to "lay hold on him" highlights the tension between earthly concerns (safety, reputation, sanity) and the spiritual demands of God's kingdom. This foreshadows broader opposition Jesus would face.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version translates οἱ παρ’ αὐτοῦ (*hoi par' autou*) as "his friends." However, the Greek phrase literally means "those from beside him" or "those belonging to him," strongly implying His family members, particularly His mother and brothers (who appear later in the chapter in Mark 3:31).

The phrase "He is beside himself" translates the Greek word ἐξέστη (*exestē*), which carries a much stronger connotation than mere eccentricity. It means "he is out of his mind," "he is insane," or "he is out of his senses." This reveals the depth of their concern and misunderstanding; they genuinely believed Jesus had lost His mental faculties due to the intensity of His ministry.

Related Scriptures

This incident highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels: the misunderstanding of Jesus, even by His own family. His dedication to His divine mission often meant He had nowhere to lay His head, embodying a radical commitment. Jesus' response to these familial concerns, though not in this specific verse, is profoundly expressed later in Mark 3:35, where He defines His true family as those who do the will of God. This also aligns with the prophetic suffering of the Messiah, who was despised and rejected by men.

Practical Application

Mark 3:21 offers several practical lessons for believers today. Firstly, following Christ wholeheartedly may lead to misunderstanding, even from those closest to us. Our commitment to God's calling can sometimes appear irrational or extreme to those who do not share our spiritual perspective. Secondly, it reminds us to prioritize God's will above human expectations or even well-meaning concerns. Jesus' unwavering focus on His mission, despite accusations of madness, serves as a powerful example of dedication. Finally, it encourages self-reflection: are we truly seeking to understand Jesus and His mission, or are we, like His family, prone to judging Him by earthly standards?

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 26:24 (9 votes)

    ¶ And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

  • John 10:20 (8 votes)

    And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

  • Mark 3:31 (5 votes)

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

  • John 7:3 (5 votes)

    His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

  • John 7:10 (5 votes)

    But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:13 (3 votes)

    For whether we be beside ourselves, [it is] to God: or whether we be sober, [it is] for your cause.

  • 2 Kings 9:11 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and [one] said unto him, [Is] all well? wherefore came this mad [fellow] to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication.