Where can I find the scripture that proves Jesus had brothers and sisters?

Mary and Joseph did have children, therefore they were Jesus’ half-brothers and-sisters. Matthew 13:56 reads: “Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us?”

So we know he had 4 brothers and at least 3 sisters (if there had been only 2, the word ‘both’ would have been used instead of ‘all’) who are accepted as half brothers and sisters. Because of this, it follows that Joseph and Mary were husband and wife, and that all those mentioned were alive when Jesus was.

Matthew 12:46 also refers to Jesus’ mother and brothers: “While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.”

We must also presume that Joseph was already dead when Jesus was crucified. Joseph is never mentioned during Jesus’ ministry; and when he was being crucified, Jesus asked John to look after Mary as if she were his own mother (John 19:26,27) At that time, none of Jesus’ family believed in him and his message. Yet afterwards some did believe, and the letters written by two of them, James and Jude (or Judas) are part of the New Testament.

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36 Comments on "Where can I find the scripture that proves Jesus had brothers and sisters?"

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bea

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What is the names of Jesus 3 sisters

nancy

Mathew 1:25 says Joseph had no union with her UNTIL she gave birth to a son.

Linda

My goodness…the Scriptures never state that Mary’s virginity was “perpetual”. Never. And the bible refers to James as “The Lord’s brother” specifically in Galatians 1:19. This reference hardly compares to a generic term “brother”, used in describing close friends. If we take into consideration the culture of that time, it would have been unheard of for a woman not to have a large family…a disgrace, actually. There is NO Scriptural evidence to support Mary’s not having had more children after she gave birth to her “first born”, Jesus. We need to return Jesus’ sovernignity to Him…it is idolatry to attempt… Read more »

Zed

I find very peculiar that when you do your bible studies you do not seem to go into enough depth to also try and study/ comprehend the culture and times you are reading about. Why is that? Do you not find it important to understand what you are reading? Still to date when you find yourself in middle eastern countries, if someone is your friend they call you: brother, or sister. It’s a term of acceptance of you for who you are. I firmly believe that adding, taking away and changing the bible goes against the law of God. But… Read more »

Jason

Hi Malou,[Unfortunately this response failed to appear in June, and the error has just recently been noted. Apologies!] As you say, Maryâ€™s blood would indeed be flowing through Jesusâ€™ veins for the whole time of conception. Though this thought might be troublesome to those that believe that Jesus had some form of pre-existence, in reality Jesus did not physically exist prior to his conception in Mary. He existed only in Godâ€™s then-future Plan of salvation and did not materialise physically as a Son until conceived in Mary. Jesus was endowed by the Holy Spirit at his Baptismâ€”there was nothing â€˜incarnateâ€™… Read more »

Malou

Some claim mart as perpetual virgin, pls comment. Tnx

Since Jesus was born of Mary, a human, would Mary’s blood be running through Jesus’ veins as incarnate? Please expound physical n spiritual implications. Tnx much.

lila

I was wondering the same thing.I don’t think it does.