Matthew 12:46

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 12:46 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.
Matthew 12:46 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
46While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“While he yet talked to the people, etc.] Upon these subjects, which so nearly concerned the Scribes and Pharisees, and which could not fail of drawing upon him their resentment and ill will. Behold his mother and his brethren: by “his mother” is meant Mary; but who are “his brethren”, is not so easy to say: some are of opinion, that Joseph had children by Mary, who are here meant; but it is more generally believed, that these were either the sons of Joseph by a former wife, whose name is said to be Escha; or rather, Mary’s sister’s sons, the wife of Cleophas, the cousin-germans of Christ, it being usual with the Jews to call such kindred brethren; and so they might be James, Joses, Simon,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren--(See on Mat 13:55-56). stood without, desiring to speak with him--"and could not come at Him for the press" (Luk 8:19). For what purpose these came, we learn from Mar 3:20-21. In His zeal and ardor He seemed indifferent both to food and repose, and "they went to lay hold of Him" as one "beside Himself." Mark (Mar 3:32) says graphically, "And the multitude sat about Him"--or "around Him."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21. His brethren - There has been some difference of opinion about the persons who are referred to here, some supposing that they were children of Mary his mother, others that they were the children of Mary, the wife of Cleophas or Alpheus, his “cousins,” and called “brethren” according to the customs of the Jews. The natural and obvious meaning is, however, that they were the children of Mary his mother. See also Mark 6:3. To this opinion, moreover, there can be no valid objection. Matthew 12:48 Who is my mother? ... - There was no want of affection or respect in Jesus toward his mother, as is proved by his whole life. See especially Luke 2:51, and John…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“His brethren - His kinsmen: they were the sons of Mary, the wife of Cleopas, or Alpheus, his mother's sister; and came now seeking to take him, as one beside himself, Mar 3:21. Mar 3:31; Luk 8:19. Matthew 12:48”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“yet: Mar 2:21, Mar 3:31-35; Luk 8:10, Luk 8:19-21 his: Mat 13:55; Mar 6:3; Joh 2:12, Joh 7:3, Joh 7:5, Joh 7:10; Act 1:14; Co1 9:5; Gal 1:19 Matthew 12:48”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification