οἱ�. It is a point of controversy whether these were (1) the own brothers of Jesus, sons of Joseph and Mary, or (2) sons of Joseph by a former marriage, or (3) cousins, sons of a sister of Mary.

The names of the ‘brethren’ are given ch. Matthew 13:55, where see note.

It may be observed in regard to this question that the nearer the relationship of the ἀδελφοὶ to Jesus is held to be, the more gracious are the words of Christ, and the nearer the spiritual kinship which is compared to the human brotherhood.

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Old Testament