Bible Questions Answered: Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus

Bible Questions Answered:
I have a friend, who goes to a church, that teaches that Mary had no other children than Jesus.
Is this doctrine taught in the Bible?
Jordan/ Newark, New York

Bible Answers:
Absolutely Not!

The Word of God, decides this matter.

Matthew 13:55,56 KJV
[55] Is not this the carpenter's son? is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren (Greek-Adelphos:The Womb, a brother.), James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
[56] And His sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this Man all these things?

Mark 6:3 KJV
Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the Brother (Greek-Adelphos) of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him.

Mark 6:1-3 NLT
1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with His disciples to Nazareth, His hometown.
2 The next Sabbath He began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. They asked, “Where did He get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?”
3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the Son of Mary and the Brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.

Prophetically foretold (sisters and brothers.)

Psalm 69:8 KJV
I am become a stranger unto My brethren (Hebrew-Ach Awkh:A brother, Kindred.), and an alien unto My mother's children.

Mary and her children, were half brothers and half sisters to Jesus, i.e. same mother, different father.
Christ's Father, was God,in heaven, whereas, Christ's half brothers and half sisters, their father was Joseph, husband of Mary.

Mary and her children followed Jesus into Capernaum.
Matthew 12:46-50 (see also, Mark 3:31-35/ Luke 8:19-21/ John 2:12).

[46] While He yet talked to the people, behold, His mother and His brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him.
[47] Then one said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren (Greek-Adelphos:The Womb, a brother.) stand without, desiring to speak with Thee.
[48] But He answered and said unto him that told him, Who is My mother? and who are My brethren (Adelphos)?
[49] And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, and said, Behold My mother and My brethren (Adelphos)!
[50] For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother (Greek-Adelphos:The Womb, a brother.), and sister, and mother.


Jesus, was called Mary's Firstborn.
Matthew 1:25 KJV
And knew her not till she had brought forth her Firstborn (Greek-Prototokos:Firstbegotten-born.)Son: and he (Joseph) called His name JESUS.

Matthew 1:25 AMP
25But he had no union with her as her husband until she had borne her Firstborn Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Luke 2:7 KJV
And she brought forth her Firstborn (Greek-Prototokos:Firstbegotten-born.) Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 NLT
7 She gave birth to her First Child, a Son. She wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Luke 2:7 NET
And she gave birth to her Firstborn Son and wrapped Him in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger,because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 NASB
And she gave birth to her firstborn son ; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 RSV
And she gave birth to her First-born Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 AMP
And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

Galatians 1:19 KJV
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

John 7:5 KJV
For neither did His brethren (Greek-Adelphos:The Womb, a brother.) believe in Him.

At Pentecost, amidst the hundred and twenty waiting in the upper room, were...
Acts 1:14 KJV
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren (Greek-Adelphos:The Womb, a brother.)

The unerring Word of God, tells us that Jesus had at least six half brothers and sisters.

Romans 3:4 KJV
.. let God be true, but every man a liar..