James {Son of Zebedee}

James is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus.

Name: James

Hebrew Name: יַעֲקֹב {yacob | Jacob}

Greek Name: Ἰάκωβος {yacobos | Jacob}

English Translation: To follow, hold the heel (in reference to Jacob, holding the heel of Esau)

Information

Profession: Fisherman

Related to:

• Son of Zebedee

• Brother of John

James was part of Jesus' inner circle. We know this because Jesus invited him to witness key moments along with Peter and John. These events include Jesus' transfiguration and the moment he raises a child from the dead.

James is also one of only two disciples, along with John, mentioned at the tomb after Jesus' resurrection.

James in the Bible

James' Call Story

Matthew 4:21-22

21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

James Witnesses Jesus' Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-2

Matt. 17:1   Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.

Jesus Raises a Child from the Dead

Luke 8:49

50 When Jesus heard this, he replied, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.” 51 When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.”

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-35

32   They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

The Tomb After the Resurrection

Matthew 27:53-56

53 After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

55   Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.