Did Jesus Have Siblings?

The Bible indicates that Jesus had siblings. These were likely the children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus, as He is described as Mary’s "firstborn son" (Luke 2:7). References in Scripture explicitly mention His brothers and sisters, affirming that Jesus grew up in a family with siblings.

Biblical Evidence of Siblings

Named Brothers: Matthew 13:55-56 states: "Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?"
Sisters Mentioned: The same passage refers to Jesus’ sisters: "And his sisters, are they not all with us?" though their names are not given.
James and Jude: James and Jude, two of Jesus’ brothers, became prominent figures in the early church and authored the Epistles of James and Jude.

Alternative Interpretations

Some traditions, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, argue that these siblings were either cousins or Joseph’s children from a previous marriage. However, the Greek word "adelphos," translated as "brother," typically refers to a sibling.

Conclusion

The Bible supports the view that Jesus had siblings, underscoring His full humanity and the ordinary aspects of His family life.

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