How many siblings did Jesus have?
The Bible does not explicitly state how many siblings Jesus had. However, there are several passages that indicate Jesus likely had brothers and sisters. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about Jesus’ siblings:
References to Jesus’ Brothers
There are several verses that mention Jesus’ brothers by name:
– Matthew 13:55 – “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?”
This verse names four brothers of Jesus – James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.
– Mark 6:3 – “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”
Mark’s gospel also names four brothers and indicates Jesus had sisters as well.
– Galatians 1:19 – “But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.”
Paul refers to James as the Lord’s (Jesus’) brother.
– Acts 1:14 – “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
This verse mentions that Jesus’ brothers were among the believers gathered in Jerusalem after His ascension.
– 1 Corinthians 9:5 – “Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?”
Paul again references the brothers of the Lord (Jesus).
So the verses above indicate Jesus definitely had brothers named James, Joseph/Joses, Simon, and Judas. He also had at least one sister based on Mark’s account.
The Meaning of “Brother”
The Greek word used for brother in these verses is “adelphos.” While it can refer to a biological brother, it also has a wider meaning of “kinsman” or “relative.”
Some argue these “brothers” were not literal brothers of Jesus, but rather stepbrothers or cousins. However, most scholars agree the simplest reading of these passages is that they refer to children born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus’ birth.
If they were not literal brothers, it would raise the question of why every time they are mentioned, they are called Jesus’ brothers rather than relatives or cousins. The consistent reference to them as brothers implies a biological sibling relationship.
References to Jesus Being Firstborn
Two verses also establish Jesus was the firstborn son of Mary:
– Luke 2:7 – “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
This verse establishes Jesus was Mary’s firstborn son. This implicitly means she had other children after Him.
– Matthew 1:25 – “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
The phrase “until she gave birth” indicates Joseph and Mary had normal marital relations after Jesus’ birth, likely producing further children.
While not definitive, these verses combined with the multiple references to Jesus’ brothers and sisters argue strongly that Mary and Joseph had children together after the birth of Jesus.
Jesus Had at Least 4 Brothers and 1 Sister
Though the exact number is not specified, the evidence indicates Jesus had at least four brothers – James, Joseph/Joses, Simon, and Judas – and at least one sister. The general consensus is that Jesus likely had 4 brothers and at least 2 sisters, for a total of at least 6 siblings including Himself.
Some key points about Jesus’ brothers and sisters:
– They were initially skeptical of His claims but later believed after His resurrection (John 7:5, Acts 1:14).
– At least two of His brothers – James and Jude – went on to write books of the Bible.
– Jesus passed responsibility for care of His mother Mary to John rather than His brothers, indicating some ongoing tension or unbelief among them (John 19:26-27).
– Paul emphasizes that Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection, likely indicating James’ unbelief prior to that appearance (1 Corinthians 15:7).
So in summary, while the Bible does not provide an exact number, it consistently indicates throughout the Gospels and Epistles that Jesus had brothers and sisters born to Mary and Joseph after His virgin birth. The number of siblings, including Jesus, appears to have been at least six and possibly more based on all the biblical evidence.
References to Jesus’ Sisters
In addition to references to Jesus’ brothers, the gospels mention Jesus’ sisters, though none are named.
– Matthew 13:56 – “And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”
This statement was made by those in Nazareth who took offense at Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue. The reference to Jesus’ sisters seems to imply more than one sister.
– Mark 6:3 – “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”
Mark also indicates plurally that Jesus had more than one sister.
Jesus’ sisters are not named, but their mention in the gospels demonstrates Jesus did indeed have sisters born to Mary and Joseph along with His brothers. The number of sisters is unclear, but at least two can be inferred from the plurals “sisters” and “his sisters.”
This aligns with the general consensus from the historical and biblical evidence that Jesus likely had four brothers and at least two sisters, for a total of at least six siblings including Himself.
The Implications of Jesus’ Siblings
The fact that Jesus had brothers and sisters has some important implications:
1. It establishes that Mary was a perpetual virgin after Jesus’ birth. The biblical evidence clearly indicates she had normal marital relations with Joseph after Jesus’ virgin conception and birth, resulting in other children. While Roman Catholic tradition holds she remained a virgin throughout her life, the biblical text does not support this.
2. It shows that not all of Jesus’ family believed in His claims during His earthly ministry. John 7 indicates His brothers were initially skeptical and critical of His ministry. At least one of His brothers, likely James, later came to faith after seeing the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7).
3. It provides further evidence of Christ’s full humanity. He experienced life in a large family as He grew up with brothers, sisters, and likely cousins. Like all humans, He had biological relatives.
4. It illustrates God’s grace in redemptively using the unbelief of Jesus’ own family. Despite the initial skepticism of His brothers, James and Jude became pillars of the early church and wrote New Testament books that still edify Christians today.
So the presence of Jesus’ siblings is significant both historically and theologically when properly understood. While the exact number is uncertain, the evidence overwhelmingly points to Jesus having both brothers and sisters who were born to Mary and Joseph after His miraculous virgin conception and birth.
What Does the Catechism of the Catholic Church Say?
Since Roman Catholic doctrine states Mary remained a perpetual virgin, the Catechism approaches the topic of Jesus’ “brothers” differently:
– Paragraph 500 states “Against this doctrine the objection is sometimes raised that the Bible mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus. . . The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary.”
– It offers three explanations for these “brothers”: (1) cousins or close relations; (2) children of Joseph from a previous marriage; (3) an ancient idiom for relatives or neighbors.
– Paragraph 501 affirms the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity and concludes that she had “no children other than Jesus.”
Thus, official Roman Catholic teaching interprets the biblical references to Jesus’ brothers as not referring to other children of Mary. It holds to the doctrine of her perpetual virginity. However, as covered earlier, the most natural reading of the biblical text is that Jesus’ brothers were younger biological children of Mary and Joseph, not alternate relatives. Roman Catholic teaching on this point contrasts with the testimony of Scripture.
Jesus’ Childhood and Family Life
Though details are limited, the Bible provides some glimpses into Jesus’ early life growing up in a large family:
– He was born in Bethlehem, where Mary laid Him in a manger (Luke 2:1-7).
– After threats from Herod, the family fled to Egypt when Jesus was a baby (Matthew 2:13-15).
– They later returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew up as a child (Matthew 2:19-23).
– Jesus was found discussing theology in the Temple courts at age 12, indicating an early interest in spiritual things (Luke 2:41-52).
– He worked as a carpenter in Nazareth prior to beginning His ministry around age 30 (Mark 6:3).
– Initially, not all His family supported His ministry claims, but they later came to faith (John 7:5, Acts 1:14).
So Jesus experienced ordinary family life as the older brother of at least six younger siblings and shared family duties like any firstborn son would. The presence of brothers and sisters enriched Jesus’ early home life and also provided ongoing relational lessons as He transitioned into public ministry.
Jesus’ Example for Families Today
Jesus’ experience growing up in a large family still provides an important example for families today:
– It shows children are a blessing from God, not a burden (Psalm 127:3-5). Mary and Joseph embraced a large family.
– Older children can set a godly example for their younger siblings, as Jesus doubtless did.
– Siblings will not always agree or get along, but should continue showing Christlike love.
– God can powerfully use siblings to further His kingdom purposes, as with James and Jude.
Overall, Jesus sets a pattern of honor, love, and humility for all older brothers and sisters to follow. His family experience reminds believers that family relationships require constant work, patience, and reliance on God’s grace. But God is able to work powerfully through families committed to His purposes.
Jesus perfectly fulfilled His role as firstborn son and older brother. His example inspires Christians today to pursue unity, love, service, and belonging within their own families.
Conclusion
In summary, though the exact number is not specified in Scripture, the biblical evidence overwhelmingly indicates that Jesus had biological brothers and sisters born to Mary and Joseph after His virgin conception and birth. These siblings initially doubted His claims but later came to faith and were used by God to lead the early church. Jesus set a pattern of humility and service as an older brother that believers today can follow. The presence of Jesus’ brothers and sisters offers important theological and practical lessons for Christians as we pursue Christlike familial relationships.