New Testament
Luke 8:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a moment where Jesus' family, specifically his mother and brothers, attempt to reach him while he is teaching.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn't get to him because of the crowd.
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment where Jesus' family, specifically his mother and brothers, attempt to reach him while he is teaching. However, they are unable to get through the large crowd that has gathered around him. This scene illustrates the popularity of Jesus and the overwhelming number of people who were eager to hear his message. It also highlights the tension between Jesus' earthly family and his spiritual mission. The crowd's presence signifies the growing impact of Jesus' ministry, as many were drawn to him for healing, teaching, and hope. This moment serves as a reminder that sometimes, even those closest to us may not fully understand our purpose or calling. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our spiritual commitments over familial expectations, as Jesus later teaches about the true nature of family in the context of faith.
How to apply Luke 8:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own priorities. Are we allowing distractions, even from family, to hinder our spiritual growth? It reminds us to focus on our relationship with God and to seek understanding and support from our spiritual community.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:19 mean?
Luke 8:19 describes a situation where Jesus' mother and brothers try to reach him but are blocked by a large crowd. This illustrates the popularity of Jesus and the challenges he faced in his ministry.
What is the significance of the crowd in Luke 8:19?
The crowd in Luke 8:19 signifies the growing interest in Jesus' teachings and miracles. It highlights how many people were drawn to him, which sometimes created barriers for even his own family to connect with him.
How does Luke 8:19 relate to spiritual priorities?
Luke 8:19 encourages readers to consider their spiritual priorities, suggesting that even family ties can sometimes distract from one's spiritual commitments and calling.
What is the main theme of Luke 8:19?
The main theme of Luke 8:19 revolves around family dynamics, the impact of Jesus' ministry, and the importance of prioritizing spiritual connections over familial expectations.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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