But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

MATTHEW 12:48KJV
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Matthew 12:48 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:48 mean?

Matthew 12:48 shows Jesus responding to someone who told Him that His mother and brothers were outside looking for Him, by asking, “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?” Jesus uses this question to challenge the usual way people think about family ties. He points toward a deeper kind of relationship that goes beyond biological family.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd inside a house when someone interrupts to say His mother and brothers are outside. Instead of immediately going out to them, Jesus asks this question to those present. The verse sets up His next teaching, where He explains that those who do the will of God are His true family. This moment shifts the focus from physical relationships to spiritual ones.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:48

  • The word "brethren" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) often means brothers, but in Greek it can also refer to close kin or even a broader group of followers. Here, it hints that Jesus is about to redefine who counts as His true family.
  • The question word "Who" (τίς, tis) is repeated for emphasis, highlighting that Jesus is inviting the listeners to rethink their assumptions about identity and belonging.
  • The verb "is" (ἐστιν, estin) and "are" (εἰσίν, eisin) both point to present reality, suggesting Jesus is not just making a future promise but describing a new way of seeing relationships right now.

Why Matthew 12:48 matters

  • This verse challenges the common idea that family is only about blood relations, preparing the reader for Jesus’ teaching that spiritual bonds can be even more significant.
  • Matthew 12:48 marks a turning point in the chapter, where Jesus starts to define His followers as His true family, which is a key theme in His ministry.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify that Jesus was not rejecting His earthly family, but rather expanding the definition of family to include all who do God’s will.

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 3:33 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.

“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.