Alphaeus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Alphaeus in the Bible?
Alpheus is recorded in the New Testament as the father of James, one of the twelve apostles, and is also associated with Levi, a tax collector. Scholarly consensus remains divided on whether Alpheus is the same individual as Clopas, a figure mentioned in early Christian tradition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Clarifying the identity of Alpheus helps readers distinguish between different familial groups within the early Christian movement and understand the varying traditions regarding the kinship of Jesus' closest followers.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Alphaeus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Alphaeus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alphaeus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Alphaeus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/alphaeus/