New Testament
Matthew 12:47
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you."
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Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
What Matthew 12:47 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, someone informs Jesus that His mother and brothers are outside, wanting to talk to Him. This moment highlights the tension between familial obligations and spiritual commitments. Jesus often emphasized that true family extends beyond biological ties to include those who follow Him and do God's will. This incident serves as a reminder that our relationships with God and His followers can take precedence over traditional family roles. It invites us to consider what it means to be part of God's family and how we prioritize our spiritual connections over earthly ones. Jesus' response to this situation, which follows in the subsequent verses, further illustrates the importance of spiritual kinship and the radical nature of His ministry, which often challenged societal norms regarding family and relationships.
How to apply Matthew 12:47 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own priorities. Are we placing our spiritual relationships above our earthly ones? It challenges us to consider how we can support our spiritual family and engage with those who share our faith, even when it may conflict with traditional family expectations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: Jesus' Mother and Brothers (Matthew 12:46–50)
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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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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 12:47 mean?
Matthew 12:47 describes a moment when someone informs Jesus that His mother and brothers are outside wanting to speak with Him. This highlights the contrast between earthly family ties and the spiritual family that Jesus emphasizes in His teachings.
What is the significance of family in Matthew 12:47?
In Matthew 12:47, the mention of Jesus' mother and brothers illustrates the tension between biological family obligations and the spiritual commitments Jesus advocates. It suggests that spiritual kinship can take precedence over traditional family roles.
How does Matthew 12:47 relate to Jesus' ministry?
Matthew 12:47 reflects Jesus' radical approach to relationships, where He challenges societal norms about family. His response to the situation emphasizes that spiritual connections are vital and can redefine our understanding of family.
What can we learn from Matthew 12:47 about priorities?
Matthew 12:47 encourages us to evaluate our priorities, urging us to consider whether we place our spiritual relationships above our earthly ones. It invites reflection on how we support our spiritual family in the context of our daily lives.
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