There came then his {q} brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

(q) By the name brother the Hebrews understand all that are of the same stock and blood.

People's New Testament

3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother. See notes on Mt 12:46-50. Compare Lu 8:19. The natural inference is that the brethren were the sons of Mary and the half-brothers of Jesus. No other idea would ever have been maintained had it not been that the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary arose some centuries after the apostles.

Wesley's Notes

3:31 Then come his brethren and his mother - Having at length made their way through the crowd, so as to come to the door. His brethren are here named first, as being first and most earnest in the design of taking him: for neither did these of his brethren believe on him. They sent to him, calling him - They sent one into the house, who called him aloud, by name. Mt 12:46; Lu 8:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Mr 3:31-35. His Mother and Brethren Seek to Speak with Him and the Reply. ( = Mt 12:46-50; Lu 8:19-21).

See on [1415]Mt 12:46-50.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:31-35 It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ's bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.