Bible Figure
St. James the Less
James the Less is the designation given in Mark to a James whose mother Mary witnessed the crucifixion. Christian tradition often identifies him with James son of Alphaeus, but the New Testament does not explicitly make that equation. This record overlaps related James entries and should preserve that uncertainty.
Biography
Mark 15:40 refers to Mary the mother of James the younger or 'the Less' and Joses among the women watching Jesus' crucifixion. The adjective may indicate younger, smaller, or less prominent. Because one of the Twelve is James son of Alphaeus, later Christian tradition commonly identified the two men. Other traditions also attempted to connect this James with James the brother of Jesus. Scripture does not explicitly establish either identification, and several men named James appear in the New Testament. A careful AVWJ entry should therefore retain the traditional possibilities without merging the biographies as fact.
Biblical Significance
James the Less illustrates the importance of distinguishing secure biblical identification from later harmonization. His association with the women who remained near Jesus' crucifixion places his family within the Passion witness tradition.