How many (blood) brothers did Jesus have?

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Multiple Choice

How many (blood) brothers did Jesus have?

The key point is how many male siblings are named for Jesus in the gospel accounts. The Gospels list Jesus’s brothers as James, Joses (also called Joseph), Simon, and Judas, and they also mention unnamed sisters. Because four brothers are explicitly named, the straightforward reading gives four blood brothers. Some interpret adelphoi differently in other contexts, but in these passages the text presents four literal brothers.

The key point is how many male siblings are named for Jesus in the gospel accounts. The Gospels list Jesus’s brothers as James, Joses (also called Joseph), Simon, and Judas, and they also mention unnamed sisters. Because four brothers are explicitly named, the straightforward reading gives four blood brothers. Some interpret adelphoi differently in other contexts, but in these passages the text presents four literal brothers.

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