James(3)
James in the Bible — "brother" of Jesus, son of Mary (MAT 13:55). James belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “same as Jacob”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
James, a male from the tribe of Judah, is identified as the "brother" of Jesus and son of Mary, with "brother" understood in the sense of sharing the same womb. This familial connection grounds his significance within the immediate family of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 13:55. His identity is closely tied to his relationship with Jesus and his Jewish heritage.
Names & Titles
The name James means "follower, replacer, one who follows at the heel," reflecting a proper name given apart from divine naming. He is also known by the title "James the Less," meaning "Jacob the younger," which distinguishes him among others with the same name as noted in Mark 15:40.
Family
James is explicitly described as a brother of Jesus, indicating a close family bond, and is inferred to be the son of Mary. Scripture does not provide additional family relationships beyond these, focusing primarily on his connection to Jesus and Mary as recorded in Matthew 13:55.
Significance
James is significant as a prominent figure who initially did not believe in Jesus during His earthly ministry but came to faith after the resurrection. He emerged as a leading figure in the early Jerusalem church, presiding over key decisions such as the Jerusalem Council. His devotion to prayer and leadership are complemented by his authorship of an epistle emphasizing that genuine faith naturally produces good works, balancing Pauline teachings on faith. Tradition holds that he was martyred, underscoring his faithful witness.
Key Events
Names & Labels (2)
- Hebrew
- יַעֲקֹ֑ב
- Transliteration
- yaaqov
- Meaning
- follower, replacer, one who follows at the heel
- Greek
- Ἰάκωβος
- Reference
- MAT 13:55
- Strong's
- H3290
- Hebrew
- יַעֲקֹב הַצָּעִיר
- Transliteration
- yaaqov hamatsayr
- Meaning
- Jacob the younger
- Greek
- Ἰακώβου τοῦ μικροῦ
- Reference
- MRK 15:40
- Strong's
- H3290
Notes
"brother" in the sense that they were born of the same womb
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is James in the Bible?
James, a male from the tribe of Judah, is identified as the "brother" of Jesus and son of Mary, with "brother" understood in the sense of sharing the same womb. This familial connection grounds his significance within the immediate family of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 13:55. His identity is closely tied to his relationship with Jesus and his Jewish heritage.
What does the name James mean?
The name James means “same as Jacob” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.