Yes, the New Testament indicates that Jesus had brothers and sisters, implying biological siblings.
The New Testament explicitly mentions individuals identified as Jesus' brothers and also refers to unnamed sisters. These individuals are described using the Greek term adelphoi, which literally translates to "of the same womb" or "brothers," strongly suggesting a biological relationship through his mother, Mary, and foster-father, Joseph.
Who Were Jesus' Siblings?
The New Testament accounts, specifically in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, name several brothers of Jesus and mention the presence of sisters.-
Brothers of Jesus:
- James
- Joses (also known as Joseph)
- Simon
- Jude
-
Sisters of Jesus:
- While mentioned, the New Testament does not provide the names of Jesus' sisters. They are referenced in passages that speak of Jesus' family, such as Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:56.
These biblical accounts paint a picture of Jesus as part of a larger family unit, with these siblings being part of his earthly household.
Summary of Jesus' Siblings Mentioned in the New Testament
| Relationship | Name(s) | Mentioned In |
|---|---|---|
| Brothers | James, Joses, Simon, Jude | Mark, Matthew |
| Sisters | Unnamed | Mark, Matthew |
Interpretations and Significance
While the literal translation of *adelphoi* in the New Testament strongly points to Jesus having biological siblings, different theological interpretations have arisen throughout history. Some traditions propose that these "brothers" were actually cousins or step-siblings from a previous marriage of Joseph, primarily to uphold the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity. However, the direct language used in the Gospels most naturally supports the understanding that they were children born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus.Understanding Jesus' family context provides valuable insight into his human life and earthly upbringing. It highlights his genuine humanity, showing him as an individual who grew up within a typical family structure of his time, with brothers and sisters.
