New Testament
Matthew 12:49
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, Jesus is redefining family ties.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Then he gestured toward his disciples and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is redefining family ties. When he gestures toward his disciples, he emphasizes that true kinship is not just biological but spiritual. By calling his disciples 'mother' and 'brothers,' he highlights the importance of spiritual relationships over traditional family connections. This moment illustrates that those who follow Jesus and do God's will are part of his family. It challenges societal norms about family and loyalty, suggesting that faith and obedience to God create a deeper bond than blood relations. Jesus is inviting his followers to see themselves as part of a larger spiritual family, united by their commitment to him and his teachings. This radical redefinition of family encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and each other in the faith community, showing that love and support can come from those who share the same spiritual journey, regardless of their earthly ties. Explore related discipleship.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 12:49 to your life
This verse encourages us to view our relationships through the lens of faith. We should prioritize our spiritual connections and support one another in our walk with God. Building a community of believers can provide strength and encouragement in our daily lives, reminding us that we are all part of God's family.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 12:49 mean?
Matthew 12:49 shows Jesus redefining family by indicating that spiritual relationships with his followers are as important as biological ones. He emphasizes that those who do God's will are considered his true family.
How does Matthew 12:49 relate to community among believers?
Matthew 12:49 encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual connections, fostering a supportive community that strengthens their faith and commitment to God.
What themes are present in Matthew 12:49?
Key themes in Matthew 12:49 include spiritual family, discipleship, faith, community, and the redefinition of relationships, emphasizing the importance of spiritual ties over biological ones.

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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