And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

LUKE 8:21KJV
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Luke 8:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:21 mean?

Luke 8:21 means that Jesus considers those who listen to God's message and put it into practice to be as close to him as his own family. He is saying that spiritual relationships, based on obedience to God, are just as important—if not more so—than biological ones.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to people who told him that his mother and brothers were waiting to see him. Instead of going out to meet them, Jesus uses the moment to teach that anyone who "hears the word of God, and does it" is part of his true family. This highlights that belonging to Jesus is not about blood relation, but about responding to God's word with action.

The Greek behind Luke 8:21

  • λόγος (logos): This word, translated "word," often means a message or teaching. Here, it refers to God's message, not just any words.
  • ἀκούω (akouō): Translated "hear," this Greek word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of truly paying attention and taking to heart what is heard.
  • ποιέω (poieō): This word, translated "do," means to act on, carry out, or put into practice. Jesus is emphasizing that it is not enough to hear God's word; it must be lived out.
  • μήτηρ (mētēr) and ἀδελφοί (adelphoi): These are the words for "mother" and "brothers." Jesus is redefining these terms to include anyone who follows God's will, not just his biological relatives.

Why Luke 8:21 matters

  • Luke 8:21 clears up the misunderstanding that being close to Jesus depends on family ties or special status; instead, it is open to anyone who responds to God's word.
  • This verse emphasizes that true belonging in God's family is marked by both hearing and doing—listening to God's message and acting on it.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Jesus values obedience to God above all else, even above traditional family relationships.

Where else these words appear

“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 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.