Cleophas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Cleophas in the Bible?
A relative of Jesus mentioned in the New Testament, identified as the father of James the Less and Joseph, and traditionally regarded as the husband of Mary who witnessed the crucifixion.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Cleophas clarifies the familial relationships within the early Christian circle, distinguishing the 'brothers of the Lord' as cousins or close kin rather than siblings, which resolves apparent contradictions in the Gospel accounts regarding Jesus' family structure.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Cleophas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cleophas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cleophas 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
"Cleophas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cleophas/