Section 12:46–50
Jesus taught about who is his true family
In this section, Jesus showed that all who obey God are members of his/Jesus’ spiritual family.
Here are some other possible headings for this section:
The True Family of Jesus (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The people whom Jesus considered to be his true family
-or-
People who do the will of God are like the true family of Jesus
There are parallel passages for this section in Mark 3:31–35 and Luke 8:19–21.
Paragraph 12:46–50
12:46a
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds: Verse 12:46a connects this paragraph with the preceding paragraphs. Even though Jesus had been speaking primarily to the scribes and Pharisees in 12:38–45, other people were also listening since 12:23.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
While Jesus was still talking to the crowds (God’s Word)
-or-
Jesus continued talking with the people.
12:46b
The Greek word that begins this clause is left untranslated in the Berean Standard Bible, but some English versions translate it as “behold.” This word focuses attention on what follows and indicates that it is important, unexpected, or amazing. In this context, this word introduces the main topic of this paragraph: Jesus’ mother and brothers. Many English versions translate this word as “look” or “behold” in this context.
His…brothers: Church groups differ in what they believe about Jesus’ brothers. Here are the three main views:
(1) They were the sons of Joseph and Mary, born after Jesus.
(2) They were Jesus’ cousins.
(3) They were children of Joseph from a previous marriage. That is, they were Jesus’ step-brothers.
The Hebrew and Aramaic words for “brother” do not distinguish between biological brothers and cousins. It is good to use a general word for “brother” that could apply to any of the views above. For example, you may have a word that could refer to:
(a) brothers with the same father and mother,
(b) brothers with the same father but different mothers, and
(c) cousins who are children of one of the parents’ brothers or sisters.
If you must use a more specific word, it is recommended that you consult with all major church groups in your language area. You will want to choose a word that is acceptable to the churches.
If your language must distinguish between “older” and “younger” brothers, it is recommended that you use a term for “younger brothers” here. If your language does not use terms that distinguish male and female, such as brother or sister, it may be more natural to use general terms. For example:
siblings
-or-
younger-siblings
stood outside: There is some implied information in this part of the verse:
(a) Jesus was at this time speaking from inside a house.
(b) Jesus mother and brothers had not been present in the crowd in the previous paragraph, but now they arrived.
In some languages, it may be necessary to make some of this information explicit. For example:
came and stood outside (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
stood outside ⌊the house⌋
-or-
when his mother and brothers arrived. They stood outside (Good News Translation)
12:46c
wanting to speak to Him: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wanting can mean “seeking/trying,” “wanting,” or “asking.” So this clause can simply mean that “they wanted to speak to Jesus.” Or it can mean that “they told people that they wanted to speak with him.” Either one is possible and acceptable.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
They wanted to talk to him. (God’s Word)
-or-
trying to find a way to talk to him. (New Century Version)
-or-
They said that they wanted to speak with Jesus.
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