Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

MATTHEW 12:47KJV
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Matthew 12:47 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:47 mean?

Matthew 12:47 describes someone telling Jesus that His mother and brothers are outside and want to speak with Him. The verse simply reports that Jesus’ family is waiting to see Him while He is inside speaking to a crowd.

In this scene, an unnamed person interrupts Jesus to deliver a message: His mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to talk to Him. This sets up the following verses, where Jesus uses the moment to teach about spiritual family. The verse itself is straightforward, focusing on the physical presence and request of Jesus’ relatives.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:47

  • The word "without" (ἔξω, transliteration: exō) means "outside." This highlights that Jesus’ family is not inside with the crowd, but waiting apart from the group, which sets up a contrast between those physically close to Jesus and those outside.
  • The word "desiring" (ζητοῦντες, transliteration: zētountes) means "seeking" or "wanting." This shows that Jesus’ family is actively trying to get His attention, not just passively waiting.

Why Matthew 12:47 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the setting for Jesus’ teaching about who truly belongs to His family, which comes in the following verses.
  • It shows that even Jesus’ own family did not always have immediate access to Him, emphasizing the importance of His mission and the people gathered around Him.
  • The verse highlights the distinction between physical relationships and the spiritual relationships Jesus is about to explain, preparing the reader for a deeper lesson.

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.

“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?