Matthew 13:55
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Matthew 13:55
55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Chapter Context
Matthew 13 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 13:55
55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Analysis
Is not this the carpenter's son? (οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός;)—The τέκτων (tektōn) was a craftsman working with wood, stone, or metal—a respectable but common trade. Mark 6:3 calls Jesus Himself 'the carpenter,' showing He worked with His hands (likely until age 30). Their question drips with contempt: 'this one,' 'the son of the carpenter'—attempting to box Jesus into their limited categories. They refused to let His divine works reinterpret His humble origins.
Is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?—They name His family to emphasize ordinariness. These ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, 'brothers') are most naturally understood as Jesus's half-brothers, Mary's sons by Joseph after Jesus's virgin birth (the perpetual virginity of Mary is unbiblical tradition). James (Ἰάκωβος) became a church leader (Acts 15:13; Galatians 1:19) and wrote the epistle of James. Judas (Ἰούδας, not Iscariot) wrote Jude. Their initial unbelief (John 7:5) was overcome by Jesus's resurrection appearance (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Historical Context
In honor-shame cultures like first-century Judaism, family and trade defined social status. Jesus's family was known but unremarkable—no Davidic royalty remained except genealogical record. The mention of His mother and brothers but not Joseph suggests Joseph had died by this time (ca. AD 28-29). The naming of four brothers and reference to sisters (v. 56) indicates a household of at least seven children.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's ordinary upbringing demonstrate the incarnation's radical condescension (Philippians 2:5-8)?
- What does the conversion of Jesus's skeptical brothers teach about persistent prayer for unbelieving family members?