Joseph(7)
Joseph in the Bible — "brother" of Jesus, son of Mary (MAT 13:55). Joseph belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “increase; addition”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Joseph was a male member of the tribe of Judah, uniquely identified as the "brother" of Jesus, born of the same womb to Mary as indicated in Matthew 13:55. This familial connection highlights his close kinship to the Messiah within a key Israelite tribe. The term "brother" here is understood to mean a sibling sharing the same mother, emphasizing his direct biological relationship to Jesus.
Names & Titles
Joseph's name, meaning "he will add," is a proper name referenced in Matthew 13:55 and reflects a common Hebrew name of the period. Additionally, he is called Joses in Mark 6:3, which is another form of his proper name. Neither name was given by God but are used in Scripture to identify him distinctly.
Family
Scripture explicitly identifies Joseph as the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and infers his sonship to Mary (Matthew 13:55), establishing his immediate family ties. No other family relationships are recorded beyond these connections. This confirms his place within the household of Mary and alongside Jesus as siblings.
Significance
Joseph's significance lies in his direct relationship to Jesus as his brother, situating him within the Messiah's earthly family and the tribe of Judah, which carries messianic importance. The understanding that he shared the same mother as Jesus underscores the reality of Christ's human family. Though less is detailed about Joseph's own life, his presence in the biblical narrative contributes to the fuller picture of Jesus' earthly lineage and the fulfillment of God's plan through Judah's tribe.
Key Events
Names & Labels (2)
Notes
"brother" in the sense that they were born of the same womb
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph was a male member of the tribe of Judah, uniquely identified as the "brother" of Jesus, born of the same womb to Mary as indicated in Matthew 13:55. This familial connection highlights his close kinship to the Messiah within a key Israelite tribe. The term "brother" here is understood to mean a sibling sharing the same mother, emphasizing his direct biological relationship to Jesus.
What does the name Joseph mean?
The name Joseph means “increase; addition” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.