For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

MATTHEW 12:50KJV
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Matthew 12:50 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:50 mean?

Matthew 12:50 says that anyone who does the will of God the Father in heaven is counted by Jesus as his true family—his brother, sister, or mother. Jesus is teaching that spiritual connection, based on obeying God, is even more important than biological family ties.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd while his mother and brothers are waiting outside, wanting to talk to him. Instead of going out to them, Jesus uses the moment to explain that those who follow God's will are just as close to him as his own relatives. This statement shifts the idea of family from blood relationships to those who share a commitment to God’s purposes.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:50

  • θέλημα (thelēma, G2307): This word means "will" or "desire." Here, it refers to God's intentions or wishes, highlighting that what matters most is aligning oneself with what God wants.
  • ποιέω (poieō, G4160): Translated as "do," this verb means to act, make, or carry out. The focus is on actively living out God's will, not just knowing or talking about it.
  • ἀδελφός (adelphos, G80), ἀδελφή (adelphē, G79), μήτηρ (mētēr, G3384): These words mean "brother," "sister," and "mother." Jesus uses them to show that spiritual family is defined by obedience to God, not just family ties by birth.

Why Matthew 12:50 matters

  • Matthew 12:50 clarifies that belonging to Jesus' inner circle is open to anyone who follows God’s will, not just to his relatives or a select group.
  • The verse highlights a major theme in Jesus’ teaching: spiritual loyalty and obedience to God create deeper bonds than family background or heritage.
  • This statement helps the reader understand the tension in the surrounding story, where Jesus’ own family is outside, but he redefines who is truly "close" to him.

Where else these words appear

“sister” Greek G79 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
  • 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 3:33 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.

“whosoever” Greek G3748 · used in 148 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
  • Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,