King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:50 Mean?

Matthew 12:50 in the King James Version says “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Matthew 12:50 · KJV


Context

48

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

49

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

50

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whosoever shall do the will of my Father (ὅστις ἂν ποιήσῃ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρός μου, hostis an poiēsē to thelēma tou patros mou)—Hostis (ὅστις) is an inclusive relative pronoun: 'whoever, anyone who,' obliterating ethnic and social barriers. Poieō (ποιέω, 'to do') is present active subjunctive, emphasizing continual, characteristic action, not one-time obedience.

The same is my brother, and sister, and mother (οὗτός μου ἀδελφὸς καὶ ἀδελφὴ καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν, houtos mou adelphos kai adelphē kai mētēr estin)—Jesus includes both genders and uses the intimate term 'mother,' signaling that spiritual kinship with him encompasses every dimension of family relationship. This verse is foundational for understanding the church as family (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 5:1-2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus redefines covenant community from ethnic Israel to the universal church. This verse anticipates Pentecost (Acts 2) when Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, men and women would be baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13), with obedience to the Father as their unifying identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would your church life change if you treated members as literal family—brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers?
  2. Does your life demonstrate continual doing of the Father's will, or do you claim relationship with Jesus while living independently?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὅστις1 of 20

Whoever

hostis

G3748

whoever, anyone who

γὰρ2 of 20

for

gar

G1063

for, indeed, truly

ἂν3 of 20

an

G302

a particle denoting condition or possibility

ποιήσῃ4 of 20

shall do

poiēsē

G4160

to make, do

τὸ5 of 20

the

to

G3588

the

θέλημα6 of 20

will

thelēma

G2307

will, wish, desire

τοῦ7 of 20

of

tou

G3588

the

Πατρός8 of 20

Father

Patros

G3962

a father

μου9 of 20

of Me

mou

G1473

I, me, my

τοῦ10 of 20

who is

tou

G3588

the

ἐν11 of 20

in

en

G1722

in, on, among

οὐρανοῖς12 of 20

the heavens

ouranois

G3772

heaven, the sky

αὐτός13 of 20

he

autos

G846

he, she, it, they, them, same

μου14 of 20

My

mou

G1473

I, me, my

ἀδελφὸς15 of 20

brother

adelphos

G80

a brother

καὶ16 of 20

and

kai

G2532

and, also, even

ἀδελφὴ17 of 20

sister

adelphē

G79

a sister

καὶ18 of 20

and

kai

G2532

and, also, even

μήτηρ19 of 20

mother

mētēr

G3384

a mother

ἐστίν20 of 20

is

estin

G1510

I am, exist


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:50 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 Matthew 12:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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