Clopas; Cleophas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Clopas; Cleophas in the Bible?
Clopas, also known as Cleophas, is mentioned in the Gospel of John as the father of James the Less and is traditionally identified as the husband of Mary, one of the women present at the crucifixion.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Clopas as the father of James the Less helps clarify familial relationships among the apostles and identifies the specific Mary who stood at the cross, enhancing the reader's understanding of the narrative context in the Gospel of John.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Clopas; Cleophas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Clopas; Cleophas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Clopas; 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
"Clopas; Cleophas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/clopas-cleophas/