For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

MARK 3:35KJV
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Mark 3:35 (KJV)

What does Mark 3:35 mean?

Mark 3:35 says that anyone who does what God wants is considered by Jesus to be as close to him as his own family—his brother, sister, or mother. This means that spiritual connection to Jesus comes from following God's will, not just from biological ties.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after his family has tried to see him, concerned about his actions. By saying this, Jesus redefines what it means to be part of his family, emphasizing obedience to God over blood relationships. The verse highlights that anyone, regardless of background, can belong to Jesus’ inner circle by doing God's will.

The Greek behind Mark 3:35

  • "will" (θέλημα, thelēma): This word refers to what God desires or intends. Jesus is saying that doing what God wants is the key factor in being close to him.
  • "brother" (ἀδελφός, adelphos), "sister" (ἀδελφή, adelphē), "mother" (μήτηρ, mētēr): These family terms are used to show deep closeness and belonging. Jesus is expanding the idea of family to include all who follow God’s will, not just his relatives by birth.

Why Mark 3:35 matters

  • Mark 3:35 clears up the idea that being close to Jesus depends on family background or heritage; instead, it is about responding to God’s direction.
  • The verse shows that Jesus values spiritual relationships formed by shared commitment to God above traditional family ties.
  • This statement ties into the wider passage, where Jesus’ own family is outside looking for him, and he uses the moment to teach about the true nature of belonging in God’s family.

Where else these words appear

“sister” Greek G79 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

“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.