King James Version
What Does Mark 3:21 Mean?
“And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. friends: or, kinsmen”
Context
19
And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into: or, home
20
And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
21
And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. friends: or, kinsmen
22
And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
23
And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(21) **And when his friends** **. . .**—Literally, *those from Him*—*i.e.,* from His home. As the “mother and the brethren” are mentioned later on in the chapter as coming to check His teaching, we must see in these some whom they had sent with the same object. To them the new course of action on which our Lord had entered seemed a sign of over-excitement, recklessly rushing into danger. We may, perhaps, see in the random word thus uttered that which gave occasion to the more malignant taunt of the scribes in the next verse. They were saying now, as they said afterwards (John 10:20), “He hath a devil, and is mad.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 3:21 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 Mark 3:21
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge