Mark 3:21 - hOI PAR) AUTOU

James H. Vellenga (jhv0@mailhost.viewlogic.com)
Thu, 30 Oct 1997 09:32:23 -0500 (EST)

The phrase hOI PAR) AUTOU in Mark 3:21 is a bit of a puzzle
to me -- and perhaps to translators as well:

KJV -- "his friends"
NIV -- "his family"
NASB -- "his own people" (footnote "his own kinsmen")

Is this known to be a Greek idiom? A quick glance through the
Fribergs' concordance of the Greek NT didn't find anything
really comparable. Is there anything in the Septuagint or other
old Greek writings that gives people a clue?

How do scholars figure this sort of thing out?

Regards,
Jim Vellenga