King James Version

What Does Mark 3:21 Mean?

Mark 3:21 in the King James Version says “And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. friends: or, ki...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Mark 3:21 · KJV

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?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When his friends heard they went out to lay hold on him for they said He is beside himself. Friends hoi par autou those with Him relatives family members. Heard akousantes heard reports. Went out exēlthon came out to intercede. Lay hold kratēsai seize restrain take custody. Him Jesus. They said elegon imperfect continuous saying. He is beside himself exestē lost His senses gone mad. Family thought Jesus crazy. Extreme claim extreme ministry provoked extreme reaction. Religious leaders said He had demon family said He was insane. Opposition came from unexpected quarters. Jesus ministry so radical even family misunderstood. Cost of obedience to God may include family opposition misunderstanding. Reformed theology acknowledges faithful ministry often brings reproach misunderstanding even from loved ones. Truth offense to natural mind.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurs during intense ministry crowds pressing inability to eat (3:20). Family feared Jesus was overworking endangering Himself. Good intentions wrong conclusion. Mary His mother and brothers came later (3:31). They lived in Nazareth Jesus in Capernaum. News reached them prompted intervention. First-century culture family honor paramount. Unusual behavior brought shame. Jesus unconventional ministry raised eyebrows. His brothers did not believe until after resurrection (John 7:5). Even Mary sometimes struggled to understand (Luke 2:50). Jesus later taught that discipleship requires putting Him above family loyalty. Early Christians faced family opposition for faith. Converted Jews disowned by families. Faithfulness to Christ transcends family ties.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does family thinking Jesus mad demonstrate that even those closest may misunderstand when you obey God radically?
  2. What does Jesus experience of family opposition teach about cost of following God call?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἀκούσαντες2 of 12

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

οἱ3 of 12
G3588

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

παρ'4 of 12

“friends”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτόν·5 of 12

“on 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

ἐξῆλθον6 of 12

“of it they went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

κρατῆσαι7 of 12

“to lay hold”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν·8 of 12

“on 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

ἔλεγον9 of 12

“they said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ10 of 12

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι11 of 12
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξέστη12 of 12

“He is beside himself”

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane

Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:24John 10:20John 7:3-10Mark 3:312 Corinthians 5:132 Kings 9:11

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