New Testament
Mark 6:3
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Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? And they took offense at him.
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Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
What Mark 6:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, people from Jesus' hometown are questioning his identity and authority. They refer to him as a carpenter, emphasizing his humble beginnings and familial ties, mentioning his mother Mary and his brothers and sisters. Their familiarity with him leads them to doubt his teachings and miracles, causing them to take offense. This reaction highlights a common theme in the Gospels: those who are closest to Jesus often struggle to accept him as the Messiah due to preconceived notions and familiarity. The verse illustrates how personal relationships can cloud judgment and hinder faith. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, those who know us best may find it hardest to see our potential or accept our changes, especially when we step into new roles or callings. This skepticism can be a barrier to experiencing the fullness of what God has for us, as seen in the subsequent verses where Jesus is unable to perform many miracles due to their lack of faith.
How to apply Mark 6:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own biases and judgments about others, especially those we know well. It challenges us to remain open-minded and recognize the potential in people, regardless of our past experiences with them. We should strive to support and believe in others' growth and calling.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Mark 6:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 6:3 mean?
Mark 6:3 describes how people from Jesus' hometown questioned his authority and identity, referring to him as a carpenter and mentioning his family. Their familiarity with him led to skepticism and offense, illustrating how close relationships can hinder acceptance of someone's true potential.
What is the significance of Jesus being called a carpenter in Mark 6:3?
In Mark 6:3, calling Jesus a carpenter emphasizes his humble beginnings and ordinary life before his ministry. This reference highlights the contrast between his earthly background and his divine mission, which some people found hard to accept.
Why did the people take offense at Jesus in Mark 6:3?
The people took offense at Jesus in Mark 6:3 because they were familiar with him as a local figure and could not reconcile their knowledge of his humble origins with his claims of authority and miraculous works. Their preconceived notions prevented them from recognizing his true identity.
What does Mark 6:3 reveal about faith and doubt?
Mark 6:3 reveals that familiarity can lead to doubt, as those who knew Jesus best struggled to accept him as the Messiah. Their lack of faith resulted in Jesus being unable to perform many miracles in their midst, highlighting how skepticism can limit spiritual experiences.
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