Chapter

Matthew 12:46

ESV While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.
NIV While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.
NASB While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him.
CSB While he was still speaking with the crowds, his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to him.
NLT As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.
KJV While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

What does Matthew 12:46 mean?

Mark's account of this incident includes some additional helpful details: "Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat" (Mark 3:20 NIV). Jesus and His disciples may be so overworked that they have no time to eat. Or, perhaps, they can't get away to get food because the exits are choked with all the people who want to see Jesus.

In either case, Mark tells us that Jesus' birth family have come to speak to Him. According to Mark, they are concerned for His mental health (Mark 3:21). Jesus' family includes Mary, His mother, and His brothers: boys born to Mary and Joseph after the miraculous birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18–25). There is no mention of Joseph here. He may well have died by this point, since he was likely much older than Mary. The last we hear of Joseph in the gospels is during a trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve (Luke 2:41–51).

After hearing that Jesus and His disciples are continuing to teach the people inside this crowded house without stopping to eat, Jesus' family comes to the house and asks to speak with Him.
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