Who Were the Brothers of Jesus?

Did Jesus Christ Have Siblings?

The answer to this question relates to Jesus’ ties with Joseph’s previous family, the one formed during his first marriage, before he stood beside the Virgin Mary.

Joseph is believed to have had from that earlier marriage seven children, who are regarded as the brothers of the Lord.

What Were the Names of Jesus’ Siblings?

This question has been very interesting for theologians, scholars, and Church Fathers, who have been studying it for decades. It has also been a source of disagreement among different Christian doctrines.

In the Gospel, which forms the foundation of Christian faith, there are references indicating that Christ had indeed brothers. In some cases, there are even mentioned their names. According to the most widely accepted theory, they were four boys (James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon) and three girls (Esther, Martha, and Salome).

What Is the Difference Between Orthodox and Protestant Theory Regarding Jesus’ Family?

A key distinction on this issue exists between the Orthodox and Protestant tradition. Protestants believe that the “brothers” of Jesus mentioned in the Bible were his biological siblings. According to this view, the Virgin Mary did not remain pure after the birth of Christ but lived a normal marital life with her husband Joseph. Together it is claimed that they had also some more children.

This interpretation is not accepted in the Orthodox Christian World. According to the Orthodox teachingw, Theotokos (Virgin Mary) remained a virgin throughout her life. Based on the patristic theology and a wide variety of sources, those referred to as Jesus’ brothers in the Holy Scripture are understood to be Joseph’s children from his first wife.

After the latter passed away, Joseph became a widower. According to the Mosaic law, the seven children he already had were considered Jesus’ brothers. Today we would still call them “step-siblings.” They are therefore regarded as relatives not by blood, but by family relation, since Jesus was the biological son of Mary, but not the biological son of Joseph.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible gives us interesting details that help us delve deeper into the question of Christ's family. For example, when twelve-year-old Jesus was lost in Jerusalem, the Mother of God said to him:

«When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you”. » (Luke 2:48)

As theologians note, this passage indirectly proves the absence of other children in the family. If there had been any, they most likely would have been looking for their lost "brother" along with Joseph and the Mother of God.

And, of course, let's not forget that Christ Himself expanded the concept of family, explicitly pointing out who His true brothers are:

«While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”. » (Matthew 12:46-50)

Image: Miraculous icon of Theotokos Galaktotrofousa (Nursing) from the Holy Monastery of Hilandar in Mount Athos.