New Testament
Matthew 13:55
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Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother named Mary? And aren't his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
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Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
What Matthew 13:55 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Nazareth are questioning Jesus' identity and origins. They refer to him as the carpenter's son, highlighting his humble beginnings and the ordinary life he led before his ministry. They mention his mother, Mary, and his brothers, which suggests familiarity and perhaps disbelief in his divine role. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus is not recognized for who he truly is by those who knew him best. The mention of his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas, indicates that Jesus had a family and lived a normal life, which adds to the astonishment of his teachings and miracles. This verse illustrates the tension between Jesus' earthly background and his heavenly mission, emphasizing how familiarity can breed contempt and disbelief.
How to apply Matthew 13:55 to your life
This verse encourages us to look beyond our preconceived notions of others. Just as the people of Nazareth struggled to see Jesus for who he was, we may also overlook the potential in those we know well. We should remain open to the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:55 mean?
Matthew 13:55 highlights the skepticism of the people in Nazareth regarding Jesus' identity. They refer to him as the carpenter's son and mention his family, indicating their disbelief in his divine role despite his teachings and miracles.
What is the significance of Jesus being called the carpenter's son in Matthew 13:55?
Referring to Jesus as the carpenter's son emphasizes his humble beginnings and ordinary life before his ministry. This title contrasts with his miraculous works, showcasing the disbelief of those who knew him in a familiar context.
Who are the brothers mentioned in Matthew 13:55?
In Matthew 13:55, the brothers mentioned are James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. Their inclusion indicates that Jesus had a family and lived a normal life, which adds to the astonishment of his teachings.
Why did the people of Nazareth doubt Jesus in Matthew 13:55?
The people of Nazareth doubted Jesus because they were familiar with his humble origins and family background. This familiarity led them to struggle with recognizing his divine authority and the significance of his ministry.
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