Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

MARK 6:3KJV
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Mark 6:3 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:3 mean?

Mark 6:3 describes how people in Jesus’ hometown questioned His authority and identity by pointing out His ordinary background as a carpenter and His family ties, leading them to take offense at Him. The verse shows that those who knew Jesus growing up struggled to accept His wisdom and miracles because they saw Him as just one of their own.

In this scene, the people of Nazareth are speaking among themselves about Jesus after hearing Him teach in the synagogue. They mention His mother Mary, His brothers James, Joses, Juda, and Simon, and His sisters, emphasizing His familiar, local roots. Their reaction—being "offended" at Him—reveals their disbelief and even resentment, highlighting the challenge Jesus faced in being accepted by those closest to His upbringing.

The Greek behind Mark 6:3

  • τέκτων (tektōn, G5045): This word is translated as "carpenter" and refers to a craftsman or builder. The use of this word underlines Jesus’ humble, working-class background, which was a stumbling block for those who expected a different kind of leader or teacher.
  • ἐσκανδαλίζοντο (eskandalizonto, G4624): Translated as "were offended," this word carries the sense of being scandalized or caused to stumble. It suggests that Jesus’ neighbors not only doubted Him but were actually disturbed or upset by His claims and actions.

Why Mark 6:3 matters

  • Mark 6:3 clears up the common misunderstanding that Jesus was always widely accepted; instead, it shows He faced skepticism and rejection, even from those who knew Him best.
  • The verse emphasizes the ordinariness of Jesus’ earthly family and upbringing, contrasting with the extraordinary nature of His ministry.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage, setting up Jesus’ statement about a prophet not being honored in his own hometown, and highlighting the barriers to faith that familiarity can create.

Where else these words appear

“carpenter” Greek G5045 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

“Joses” Greek G2500 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

“sisters” 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.

“offended” Greek G4624 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.