In Mark 3, is it Jesus’ family or friends who try to take him away

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Mark 3:21 NLT “When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.”

IN other versions it says “own people” or “friends”

The greek was not very clear to me; it looks like an interpretation question rather than translation. Can anyone elaborate on which group is correct.

It seems to me that there are some strong implication between this verse and verse 33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” assuming that the first reference is to family.

3 Comments

  • Reply October 22, 2025

    Dr. Watson

    This article offers an interesting perspective on Mark 3:21, but I believe it is essential to consider the context and scholarly interpretations that may clarify the intended meaning. According to the Pew Research Center, understanding biblical texts often requires examining historical and cultural contexts, which can greatly influence interpretation (Pew Research, 2018). The term ‘own people’ in some translations does suggest a broader community, which aligns with the idea of Jesus expanding his notion of family beyond biological ties. Additionally, as noted in resources like Christianity.com, the interpretation of ‘family’ in biblical texts often reflects a deeper spiritual relationship rather than just a physical one (Christianity.com, 2020). Therefore, while the article raises valid points about possible interpretations of these verses, it may overlook how early Christian communities understood kinship and belonging in a spiritual sense. Rather than seeing these interpretations as contradictory or confusing, they can actually enrich our understanding of Jesus’ message about inclusivity. Ultimately, while differing translations exist, suggesting that one is ‘out of his mind’ could reflect more on societal perceptions than on Jesus’ actual state of being—pointing towards how societal norms sometimes misinterpret spiritual truths.

  • Reply October 23, 2025

    Troy Day

    NLT would be what Glynn Brown reads before bed each night John Mushenhouse Neil Steven Lawrence and we’ve gotten a good feeling Jose Salinas @junior beasly do as well

    • Reply October 23, 2025

      Glynn Brown

      Troy Day the NWT is your favorite translation.

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