Matthew 13:55–56 (KJV)
“Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?”
Introduction
Few questions stir as much debate in Christian study as whether Jesus had brothers and sisters. Scripture does not leave us in the dark. The Word of God—clear, preserved, and authoritative—speaks directly to this question. In this paper, we will examine the biblical evidence, understand the terms used in Scripture, and consider how the family of Jesus reinforces the truth of His incarnation and earthly mission.
The Plain Biblical Witness to Jesus’ Siblings
The Gospels speak plainly about Jesus’ brethren—a term used more than once, without hesitation, and always in a familial context.
1. The Names of Jesus’ Brothers
Matthew records four names directly:
- James
- Joses (Joseph)
- Simon
- Judas (Jude)
Matthew 13:55 presents these names in a natural family context, identifying Mary as His mother and Joseph as the earthly guardian. The structure of the verse mirrors how any family of the time would be described, reinforcing the straightforward meaning.
Mark 6:3 (KJV) confirms the same list:
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?”
The Holy Spirit does not leave the matter vague. Jesus had brothers.
2. Jesus Had Sisters as Well
Matthew 13:56 continues,
“And his sisters, are they not all with us?”
The plural “sisters” indicates at least two. Though their names are not given, Scripture affirms their existence.
3. The Normal Use of the Word “Brethren”
Some argue “brethren” must mean cousins or extended relatives. But in Scripture, when cousins are meant, the Holy Spirit uses precise terms (e.g., “cousin” in Luke 1:36 regarding Mary and Elisabeth).
The Gospel writers consistently used adelphoi—the Greek word for literal siblings—when referencing Jesus’ brothers.
The most natural, plain-sense reading is that they were His half-brothers and half-sisters, sharing Mary as their mother but not Joseph as His father, since Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35).
The Household of Nazareth and the Reality of Christ’s Humanity
1. Jesus Truly Entered Human Life
By having siblings, Jesus fully participated in the rhythms of a normal Jewish household. He grew up not in isolation but in a family with the joys, responsibilities, and dynamics common to all human families—yet without sin.
2. Mary’s Normal Married Life After Jesus’ Birth
The teaching that Mary remained perpetually a virgin originated centuries after the apostles and finds no support in Scripture. Matthew 1:25 is explicit that Joseph “knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son.”
The word till implies what naturally followed—Mary and Joseph lived a normal married life afterward, resulting in the children named in Scripture.
3. Jesus’ Siblings and Unbelief
John 7:5 states,
“For neither did his brethren believe in him.”
This reinforces that these were real siblings living in the same household and interacting with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Their later belief—especially James and Jude—stands as a powerful testimony to the reality of His resurrection.
The Prophetic Significance of Jesus’ Siblings
While Scripture does not treat this subject as a major doctrine, it highlights important truths:
1. Jesus Is the Only Begotten Son of God
While Mary had other children, Jesus alone is “the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14).
His supernatural conception sets Him apart from every child Mary bore afterward.
2. Jesus Is the Firstborn
Luke 2:7 calls Him Mary’s “firstborn son.”
The term “firstborn” assumes others followed.
It also signals His preeminence and His fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecy regarding the firstborn’s inheritance and authority.
3. His Brothers Became Key Church Leaders
After the resurrection, James becomes pastor of the Jerusalem church and author of the Epistle of James. Jude writes the Epistle of Jude.
Their transformation from unbelief to bold proclamation underscores the divine identity of Christ.
Conclusion
The Word of God is clear: Jesus had brothers and sisters—siblings born to Joseph and Mary after the miraculous virgin birth of Christ. This truth strengthens, rather than diminishes, the doctrine of the incarnation. It affirms that Jesus entered fully into human life while remaining the eternal Son of God, uniquely conceived, sinless, and sovereign.
His siblings testify to His humanity.
His resurrection testifies to His deity.
And Scripture leaves no doubt about either.