Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

MATTHEW 13:55KJV
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Matthew 13:55 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:55 mean?

Matthew 13:55 describes how people in Jesus’ hometown questioned his identity by pointing out his ordinary family background, mentioning that he is the carpenter’s son, his mother is Mary, and naming his brothers: James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. The verse shows their surprise that someone so familiar to them could have such wisdom and authority.

In this scene, the people of Nazareth are speaking among themselves about Jesus as he teaches in their synagogue. They recognize Jesus as someone they grew up with, knowing his family well, and are skeptical that he could be anyone special. The verse highlights their doubt and the ordinary reputation of Jesus’ family, which sets up the contrast with his remarkable teaching and miracles.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:55

  • τέκτονος (tektonos, “carpenter’s”): This word refers to a craftsman or builder, not just someone who works with wood, but possibly with stone as well. The use of this word emphasizes Jesus’ humble and working-class family background.
  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, “brethren”): This term means “brothers” and can refer to biological brothers, stepbrothers, or close relatives. Here, it is used to name specific men known in the community, underlining how well the townspeople thought they knew Jesus’ family.

Why Matthew 13:55 matters

  • This verse clears up the misconception that Jesus came from a mysterious or elite background; instead, he was known as part of a regular family in a small town.
  • The verse highlights the skepticism and familiarity that can lead people to dismiss someone’s significance, a theme that continues in the following verses.
  • By listing Jesus’ family members, Matthew connects Jesus to real people and a real place, grounding his story in everyday life and relationships.

Where else these words appear

“carpenter's” Greek G5045 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

“Joses” Greek G2500 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
  • Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

“James” Greek G2385 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
  • Luke 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

“Judas” Greek G2455 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.