Matthew 12:47
New International Version
Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

New Living Translation
Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.”

English Standard Version


Berean Standard Bible
Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”

Berean Literal Bible
Then someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You."

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

New King James Version
Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”

New American Standard Bible
[Someone said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You.”]

NASB 1995
Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.”

NASB 1977
And someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.”

Amplified Bible
Someone said to Him, “Look! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside asking to speak to You.”

Christian Standard Bible
Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”

American Standard Version
And one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee.

Contemporary English Version
Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to talk with you."

English Revised Version
And one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside. They want to talk to you."

Good News Translation
So one of the people there said to him, "Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak with you."

International Standard Version
Someone told him, "Look! Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you."

Majority Standard Bible
Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”

NET Bible
Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you."

New Heart English Bible
Then one said to him, "Look, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then one said to him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

Weymouth New Testament
So some one told Him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and desire to speak to you."

World English Bible
One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and one said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to You.”

Berean Literal Bible
Then someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You."

Young's Literal Translation
and one said to him, 'Lo, thy mother and thy brethren do stand without, seeking to speak to thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And a certain one said to him, Behold, thy mother, and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And one said unto him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And someone said to him: “Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking you.”

New American Bible
[Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.”]

New Revised Standard Version
Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then a man said to him, Behold your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak with you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And a man said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside and want to speak with you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And some one said to him: Behold, your mother and your brothers stand without, desiring to speak to you.

Godbey New Testament
And a certain one said to Him; Behold, thy mother and thy brothers stand without, seeking to speak to thee.

Haweis New Testament
And a person said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak to thee.

Mace New Testament
then some body said to him, your mother and your brothers are without, and desire to speak with you.

Weymouth New Testament
So some one told Him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and desire to speak to you."

Worrell New Testament
[And one said to Him, "Behold, Thy mother and Thy brothers are standing without, seeking to speak to Thee."]

Worsley New Testament
and somebody said to Him, "Here are thy mother and thy brethren standing without, desiring to speak to thee."

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
46While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. 47 Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” 48But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”…

Cross References
Mark 3:31-35
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, / and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” ...

Luke 8:19-21
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd. / He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see You.” / But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.”

John 7:3-5
So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. / For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” / For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.

John 2:3-5
When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” / “Woman, what is that to you and to Me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” / His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. / When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

Acts 1:14
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Galatians 1:19
But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.

1 Corinthians 9:5
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?

Hebrews 2:11-12
For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. / He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.”

Genesis 12:1-3
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

1 Samuel 2:18-21
Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod. / Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. / And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD.” Then they would go home. ...

1 Kings 2:19
So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

Then one said to him, Behold, your mother and your brothers stand without, desiring to speak with you.

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Desire Desiring Mother Outside Seeking Someone Speak Stand Standing Talk Wanting
Matthew 12
1. Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,
3. by scripture,
9. by reason,
13. and by a miracle.
22. He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;
24. and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub,
32. he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.
36. Account shall be made of idle words.
38. He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,
46. and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.














Someone told Him
This phrase indicates an interruption in the narrative, where an unnamed individual brings a message to Jesus. The Greek word used here for "told" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which is a common term for speaking or saying. This highlights the oral tradition and the importance of communication in the ancient world. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it underscores the constant demands on His attention and the presence of those who sought to engage with Him, both followers and family.

Look
The Greek word "Ἰδού" (idou) is an imperative that means "behold" or "see." It is often used in the Bible to draw attention to something significant or to prepare the listener for an important revelation. Here, it serves to emphasize the presence of Jesus' family, suggesting that their arrival is noteworthy and deserving of attention. This word invites the reader to pause and consider the implications of the scene unfolding.

Your mother and brothers
This phrase identifies the family members of Jesus, specifically His mother, Mary, and His brothers. The mention of His family is significant in the Gospel narrative, as it highlights the human aspect of Jesus' life. The Greek word for "brothers" is "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi), which can mean biological brothers or, more broadly, close relatives or kin. This has been a point of theological discussion, particularly in understanding the nature of Jesus' familial relationships and the role of Mary in His life and ministry.

are standing outside
The phrase "standing outside" indicates a physical separation between Jesus and His family. The Greek word "ἔξω" (exō) means "outside" or "outdoors," suggesting that they are not part of the immediate group surrounding Jesus. This separation can be seen as symbolic, representing the distinction between Jesus' earthly family and His spiritual mission. It also sets the stage for Jesus' teaching on the nature of true kinship, which transcends biological ties.

wanting to speak to You
This phrase reveals the intention of Jesus' family—they desire to communicate with Him. The Greek word "ζητοῦντες" (zētountes) is a present participle meaning "seeking" or "wanting," indicating an ongoing desire or action. This reflects the natural concern and interest of His family in His well-being and activities. However, it also introduces the tension between familial obligations and the demands of Jesus' divine mission, a theme that is explored further in the subsequent verses.

Verse 47. - Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. The verse is omitted by the Sinaitic manuscript (original hand), the Vatican, and a few others; also by the Old Syriac and some manuscripts of the Old Latin Version. It is clearly an insertion to bridge over the "seeking" of ver. 46 and "him that told him" of ver. 48.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Someone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

told
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Look,
Ἰδοὺ (Idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

Your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

mother
μήτηρ (mētēr)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

brothers
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

are standing
ἑστήκασιν (hestēkasin)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

outside,
ἔξω (exō)
Adverb
Strong's 1854: Without, outside. Adverb from ek; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively.

wanting
ζητοῦντές (zētountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

to speak
λαλῆσαι (lalēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

to You.”
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:47 One said to him Behold your mother (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 12:46
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