Ἰωσῆς (Iōsēs)
Iōsēs
Joseph
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iōsēs is the Greek form of the Hebrew Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "exalted." In the New Testament, it appears only three times, referring to distinct individuals who share this common Jewish heritage. This brevity highlights how the name was standard rather than unique, linking these figures to a long lineage of biblical Josephs.
Lexical sources identify three specific bearers: an ancestor of Jesus listed in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:29), a brother of Jesus mentioned alongside James and Jude in Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55, and a son of Mary who witnessed the crucifixion in Mark 15:40 and Matthew 27:56. The text also notes that Iōsēs is a variant form for Joseph, as seen in the case of Barnabas.
Its presence in these sparse references anchors the narrative in historical reality. By naming Jesus’ relatives and witnesses, the Gospels ground the story in everyday family structures. The name itself, pointing to addition or elevation, subtly echoes the broader biblical theme of God increasing His people despite humble beginnings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Iōsēs appears in the New Testament to identify ordinary people who played specific roles in the story of Jesus. In Mark 6:3, we meet Joses as one of the brothers of Jesus, a carpenter’s son living in Nazareth. This simple mention reminds us that God’s family includes everyday people with common names and familiar relationships.
We also see this name attached to Mary, the mother of James and Joses, at the foot of the cross in Mark 15:40 and 15:47. These women watched from a distance, showing quiet loyalty when others had fled. Their presence highlights how faith often looks like steady, faithful witnessing rather than loud declarations.
When we read these brief references, we are invited to see ourselves in the crowd of Jesus’ followers. The name means "he will add," suggesting that God continues to build His community through many different people. You do not need a unique title to be part of God’s family; simply being present and faithful is enough.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Joses3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰωσῆτος3×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:3
Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended at him.
This verse identifies Joses as a brother of Jesus, grounding the divine narrative in ordinary family life.
-
Mark 15:40
There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
Here, Joses is named as the son of Mary, who stood with other women watching the crucifixion from afar.
-
Mark 15:47
Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.
This occurrence confirms that Mary the mother of Joses was present at the burial, ensuring she saw where Jesus was laid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Iōsēs mean?
Who are the people named Iōsēs in the New Testament?
Why is this name important for understanding the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Mark 3 verses
Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with…
Mark 15:40There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less and…
Mark 15:47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.