King James Version

What Does Luke 8:19 Mean?

Luke 8:19 in the King James Version says “Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.”

Luke 8:19 · KJV

Context

17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad .

18

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. seemeth: or, thinketh that he hath

19

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

20

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

21

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Read Luke 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. Mary and Jesus's brothers (adelphoi, ἀδελφοί) arrive seeking audience but could not come at him (ouk ēdunanto suntuchein autō, οὐκ ἠδύναντο συντυχεῖν αὐτῷ) because of the press (ton ochlon, τὸν ὄχλον, the crowd). The verb suntuchein means to meet, reach, or approach—physical access was blocked by the multitude surrounding Jesus. This sets up Jesus's radical redefinition of family in verse 21.

The mention of his brethren (brothers) raises the question of Jesus's siblings. Roman Catholic tradition maintains Mary's perpetual virginity, interpreting adelphoi as cousins or Joseph's children from a prior marriage. Protestant interpretation understands these as Mary's biological children, Jesus's half-siblings (born after His virgin birth)—James, Joses, Simon, Judas (Matthew 13:55). The Gospel accounts suggest His brothers didn't believe in Him during His ministry (John 7:5) but later became believers after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7). James became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; Galatians 2:9) and wrote the epistle bearing his name.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Jewish culture, family ties were paramount—one's primary identity and loyalty centered on biological family. Honor-shame dynamics meant family reputation was crucial. For family members to seek Jesus publicly could indicate concern for His welfare, desire to speak with Him, or even attempt to restrain Him (Mark 3:21, 31-32 suggests His family thought He was beside Himself—mentally unstable—due to His radical ministry). Large crowds regularly pressed around Jesus, creating security and accessibility challenges. The cultural context makes Jesus's response (v. 21) shocking—He subordinates biological family to spiritual family, redefining kinship around obedience to God rather than bloodline. This challenged fundamental social structures and anticipated the church as the new family of God transcending ethnic and biological boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the crowd blocking Jesus's family from accessing Him symbolize about competing priorities and demands on His time?
  2. How does this passage challenge cultures (ancient and modern) that prioritize biological family above all other relationships?
  3. What might Mary and Jesus's brothers have been seeking, and how does their arrival set up Jesus's teaching about true spiritual family?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Παρεγένοντο1 of 18

“came”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

δὲ2 of 18

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 18

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτῷ4 of 18

“at him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἡ5 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μήτηρ6 of 18

“his mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

καὶ7 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ8 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὶ9 of 18

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτῷ10 of 18

“at him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ11 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ12 of 18

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἠδύναντο13 of 18

“could”

G1410

to be able or possible

συντυχεῖν14 of 18

“come”

G4940

to chance together, i.e., meet with (reach)

αὐτῷ15 of 18

“at him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διὰ16 of 18

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλον18 of 18

“the press”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:46-50Mark 3:21Mark 3:31-35

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