New Testament

Matthew 12:47

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, someone informs Jesus that His mother and brothers are outside, wanting to talk to Him.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you."

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

family, values, discipleship

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

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.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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