And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

LUKE 8:20KJV
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Luke 8:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:20 mean?

Luke 8:20 describes a moment when someone tells Jesus that His mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see Him. The verse simply reports that Jesus’ family is waiting for Him and wishes to speak with Him while He is surrounded by a crowd.

In this scene, Jesus is teaching, and a message is brought to Him about His family’s arrival. The verse sets up the situation for what Jesus will say next, highlighting the presence of His mother and brothers outside the place where He is speaking. This detail helps frame the following verses, where Jesus responds about the nature of His true family.

The Greek behind Luke 8:20

  • ἔξω (exō, "without"): This word means "outside" and shows that Jesus’ family is not with the crowd inside but waiting apart from the group. It hints at a physical separation between Jesus and His relatives at this moment.
  • θέλοντες (thelontes, "desiring"): This word means "wishing" or "wanting." It emphasizes that Jesus’ family is not just present but actively seeking to see Him, showing their intent and concern.

Why Luke 8:20 matters

  • Luke 8:20 helps clarify that Jesus’ family was not always in the inner circle of His ministry, sometimes remaining physically and perhaps even relationally outside His immediate teaching context.
  • The verse prepares the reader for Jesus’ teaching in the next verses, where He redefines what it means to be part of His family—not just by blood, but by hearing and doing God’s word.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme in Luke’s Gospel about the new community Jesus is forming, one based on spiritual rather than biological ties.

Where else these words appear

“told” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“without” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

“mother” Greek G3384 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
  • Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.