James (son of Zebedee)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew Ya‘aqov (“he supplants” or “he follows at the heel”), a common Jewish name in the Second Temple Period.
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period; Apostolic Age (Roman Imperial Context).
• Main References: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Mark 5; Mark 9; Mark 10; Mark 13; Mark 14; Luke 5; Luke 8–9; Acts 12.
• Key Connections: Son of Zebedee; brother of John; part of Jesus’ inner circle with Peter and John.

Who was James (son of Zebedee)?

James was a Galilean fisherman called by Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee to be one of the Twelve.
He is consistently listed among the apostles and is distinguished from James son of Alphaeus.
Along with Peter and John, he witnessed several pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry.

Key Events & Achievements

• Call to apostleship: Left fishing work to follow Jesus after being called with John (Mark 1:19–20).
• Witness to key revelations: Present at the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2–3).
• Death under persecution: Executed by Herod Agrippa I, becoming the first apostle recorded as martyred (Acts 12:1–2).

Life Lesson & Legacy

James’ life reflects how close association with Jesus could lead to both privileged witness and costly perseverance in mission.

Key Verse

"He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword." — Acts 12:2, NIV