Mary Μαρία
Wife of Cleopas (or 'Alphaeus'), present at Jesus' crucifixion.
Who is Mary in the Bible?
The Bible refers to multiple women named Mary, but one significant figure is Mary, the wife of Cleopas (also called Alphaeus). She was present at Jesus' crucifixion, standing near the cross alongside Jesus' mother and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). Mary of Cleopas appears in all four Gospel accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection (Matthew 27:56, 27:61, 28:1; Mark 15:40, 16:1; Luke 24:10), where she is noted among the faithful women who witnessed Jesus' death and visited his tomb. In Catholic tradition, she is understood to be the mother of James and Joses, identified as Jesus' brothers mentioned in Matthew 13:55. Her presence at these pivotal events demonstrates the crucial role women played as witnesses to Christ's passion and resurrection.
Biography
Mary, the wife of Cleopas (or 'Alphaeus'), was one of the women present at the crucifixion of Jesus. She stood near the cross along with Jesus' mother, Mary, and Mary Magdalene. This brief mention in John's Gospel provides insight into the group of faithful women who witnessed Jesus' suffering and death (Jhn.19.25). In Catholic theology, where Mary the mother of Jesus remains a virgin, Mary the wife of Cleopas is the mother of Jesus' brothers, so her sons James and Joses are identical to the James and Joses who are listed as 'brothers' of Jesus along with Simon and Judas who are therefore also her sons (Mat.13.55
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In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 4 with study contentMatthew 3 verses
- Matthew 27:56
"Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 27:61
"Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 28:1
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb."
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Mark 2 verses
- Mark 15:40
"And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome."
Study Mark → - Mark 16:1
"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus."
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Luke 1 verse
- Luke 24:10
"It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles."
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John 1 verse
- John 19:25
"Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Μαρία | María | Maria or Mariam (i.e. Mirjam), the name of six Christian females |