Bible Figure
James the Less
James the Less is the James identified in Mark 15:40 as the son of a Mary who witnessed Jesus' crucifixion. The designation 'the Less' or 'the younger' distinguishes him from another James, but Scripture does not state with certainty that he was James the son of Alphaeus or James the brother of Jesus.
Biography
Mark names Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses among the women who watched the crucifixion. The Greek adjective can carry the sense of smaller, younger, or less prominent. This James is therefore known primarily through his mother's identification in the Passion narrative. Christian tradition has often identified him with James the son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve, but the New Testament does not explicitly make that connection. Other attempts to identify him with James the brother of Jesus create additional difficulties. Because several men named James appear in the New Testament, this record should preserve the distinction unless stronger evidence is available.
Biblical Significance
James the Less is significant mainly as part of the named family relationships embedded in the Passion witness tradition. His record also illustrates the importance of caution when reconstructing identities among New Testament figures who share common names.