While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

MATTHEW 12:46KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 12:46 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:46 mean?

Matthew 12:46 describes a moment when Jesus is speaking to a crowd, and his mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to talk to him. The verse highlights that Jesus’ family is present but not inside with him and the people he is teaching.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by a group of listeners, likely inside a house or gathering place, while his immediate family waits outside. The verse sets up a contrast between those inside listening to Jesus and his family outside, which leads into the next verses where Jesus talks about who truly belongs to his spiritual family.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:46

  • "ἔξω" (exō, "without" or "outside") emphasizes that Jesus’ mother and brothers are physically separated from him and the crowd, which becomes important for the point Jesus will make about spiritual relationships.
  • "ζητοῦντες" (zētountes, "desiring") suggests an active wish or effort by his family to speak with him, not just a casual interest. This shows their intention and concern.
  • "ἀδελφοὶ" (adelphoi, "brethren" or "brothers") is often understood to mean Jesus’ biological brothers, though some traditions interpret this word more broadly as close relatives.

Why Matthew 12:46 matters

  • This verse prepares the reader for Jesus’ teaching about spiritual family in the following verses, where he explains that those who do the will of God are his true family.
  • The detail that Jesus’ family is outside while he is teaching inside highlights a physical and symbolic separation, which helps underline the lesson Jesus is about to give.
  • Understanding who is present and where they are helps clarify the flow of the story and the significance of Jesus’ response to his family’s request.

Where else these words appear

“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 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
  • 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.

“While” Greek G2089 · used in 86 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 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

“desiring” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?