Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?
Did Jesus have brothers and sisters? The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers — James, Joses, Simon, and Judas — and unnamed sisters, though some traditions interpret 'brothers' as cousins or step-siblings.
Key verse: Matthew 13:55-56 (KJV)
The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers — James, Joses, Simon, and Judas — and unnamed sisters, though some traditions interpret 'brothers' as cousins or step-siblings.
The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers — James, Joses, Simon, and Judas — and unnamed sisters, though some traditions interpret 'brothers' as cousins or step-siblings.
"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?" — Matthew 13:55-56 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Gospels refer to Jesus' brothers by name and mention sisters as well. James became a prominent leader in the early Jerusalem church and authored the Epistle of James. The Roman Catholic tradition holds that Mary remained a perpetual virgin and that these 'brothers' were either cousins or children of Joseph from a prior marriage. Protestant traditions generally accept them as biological children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus. Regardless of interpretation, Jesus' family initially struggled to understand His ministry, though James later became one of His most devoted followers.
Key Scripture References
"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?"
"But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother."
"For neither did his brethren believe in him."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Mary, the Mother of Jesus?
Mary was a young Jewish virgin chosen by God to bear the Messiah — a woman of extraordinary faith, humility, and obedience who said 'be it unto me according to thy word.'
Who wrote the book of Revelation?
The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos, recording visions given to him by Jesus Christ about the end times.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Moses?
People & Characters
Bible Characters Quiz
Patriarchs, prophets, kings, and disciples — how well do you know them?
Bible Verses About Dealing with Difficult People
10 curated KJV verses
Psalm 116:15 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Love for His People
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.