What Does Luke 8:20 Mean in the King James?

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

Luke 8:20 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Blood brings Jesus’ family to the doorway, but the next line locates kinship in hearing and doing God’s word.

THE MEANING

You can be close to Jesus by family identity and still stand outside, wanting to see him. The verse holds that longing plainly, then turns your attention to what makes his family: hearing God’s word and doing it.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It unsettles the assumption that being related to Jesus, or wanting access to him, by itself defines belonging to him.

THE ROOT

ἰδεῖν

idein

GROWS FROM

ὁράω

horaō

To see or perceive.

The family’s wish is to see Jesus, and the Greek word carries the wider sense of perception as well as sight. That range opens a question the next verse answers: what does it mean to truly perceive him?

ALSO GROWS

horasis: Vision or sight.

ὅρασις

This branch shows how the root of seeing extends beyond a glance to vision.

horama: A vision; what is seen.

ὅραμα

This branch keeps the focus on what comes into view when someone sees.

THE PATTERN

Belonging to God’s household takes shape through hearing the word and doing it.

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Deuteronomy 30:14 · KJVThe word is near when it reaches the mouth and heart and is carried into action.

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

Luke 8:21 · KJVJesus names his family as those who hear God’s word and do it.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James 1:22 · KJVHearing becomes meaningful when the word is also done.

THE THREAD

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

Luke 8:21 · KJV

The next verse answers the scene at the doorway by naming who Jesus calls family. Their place is shaped by hearing God’s word and doing it.

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