Yes, the Bible mentions that Jesus had siblings, including brothers and sisters. These references are found in several passages in the New Testament:
1. **Matthew 12:46-50 (NIV):**
– “While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.”
2. **Matthew 13:55-56 (NIV):**
– “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”
This passage specifically names some of Jesus’ brothers: James, Joseph (also referred to as Joses in some translations), Simon, and Judas (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot). It also mentions sisters, though they are not named.
3. **Mark 6:3 (NIV):**
– “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
This verse aligns closely with the reference in Matthew and adds further evidence of Jesus having both brothers and sisters.
4. **John 7:3-5 (NIV):**
– “Jesus’ brothers said to him, ‘Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.’ For even his own brothers did not believe in him.”
This passage provides insight into the relationship between Jesus and his brothers, highlighting that they initially did not believe in him.
5. **Acts 1:14 (NIV):**
– “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Here, Jesus’ brothers are mentioned as part of the early Christian community after his resurrection.
6. **Galatians 1:19 (NIV):**
– “I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.”
The Apostle Paul refers to “James, the Lord’s brother,” often understood as a prominent leader in the early church in Jerusalem.
### Interpretative Views:
The mention of Jesus’ siblings has been interpreted differently across Christian traditions:
– **Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions** often hold the belief in the perpetual virginity of Mary. They interpret “brothers” and “sisters” as either cousins or close relatives, or possibly children from a previous marriage of Joseph (a theory in the Orthodox tradition).
– **Protestants** generally interpret these references as evidence that Jesus had biological half-siblings, children of Mary and Joseph after Jesus’ birth.
The exact nature of these relationships continues to be a topic of theological discussion.