Healing and hostility
Mark 3:1–12FocusMercy amid opposition
Connection to the wholeThe Sabbath healing prompts a plot against Jesus, while crowds continue to seek Him because of His works.
interpretation Mark 3:34
KJVAnd he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Read it in context
Misunderstood by opponents and family
Start reading at Mark 3:20 (Mark 3:20 to Mark 3:35).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Accusations about Jesus' power and the arrival of His family lead to teaching on blasphemy and those who do God's will.
- 3:20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
- 3:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
- 3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
- 3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
- 3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
- 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
- 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
- 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
- 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
- 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
- 3:30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
- 3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
- 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
- 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
- 3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
- 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 3:1–3:35): Jesus heals in the synagogue, ministers to crowds, appoints the twelve, answers scribes, and identifies His family among those doing God's will. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Misunderstood by opponents and family. Read Mark 3:20 through Mark 3:35 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Accusations about Jesus' power and the arrival of His family lead to teaching on blasphemy and those who do God's will. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Misunderstood by opponents and family (Mark 3:20 to Mark 3:35). Start reading at Mark 3:20. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 3:20, Mark 3:35, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Behold Ps 22:22 Song 4:9-10 Song 5:1-2 Matt 12:49-50 Matt 25:40-45 Matt 28:10 Luke 11:27-28 John 20:17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 3
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The twelve appointed
Mark 3:13–19FocusCompanionship and mission
Connection to the wholeJesus appoints twelve to be with Him and to be sent, giving shape to the disciple community within the expanding ministry.
interpretation FocusThe source of His work
Connection to the wholeAccusations about Jesus' power and the arrival of His family lead to teaching on blasphemy and those who do God's will.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.