New Testament

Matthew 13:55

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the people of Nazareth are questioning Jesus' identity and origins.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother named Mary? And aren't his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?

KJVKing James Version

Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

identity, purpose, humility

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

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.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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