Ἰωσῆ

gen. of Joses

Definition

Ἰωσῆ is the genitive (possessive) case of the proper name Ἰωσῆς (Joses), a Greek form of the Hebrew name Joseph (יוֹסֵף). In the New Testament, it refers to several distinct individuals. First, it denotes Joses, one of the brothers of Jesus (Mark 6:3). Second, it refers to Joses, the son of Mary (not the mother of Jesus) and brother of James the younger, who was present at the crucifixion (Mark 15:40, Matthew 27:56). Third, it appears in Luke's genealogy as an ancestor of Jesus, the son of Eliezer (Luke 3:29). Finally, in Acts 4:36, the name Joseph is given to the man surnamed Barnabas, though the specific form Ἰωσῆ is not used there.

Biblical Usage

The word Ἰωσῆ is used exclusively in the genitive case, indicating possession or relationship ('of Joses'). It appears in narrative and genealogical contexts across the Gospels. In Mark 6:3 and 15:40, and Matthew 27:56, it identifies family members of Jesus or followers present at his crucifixion. In Luke 3:29, it functions within the genealogical list tracing Jesus's lineage back to David and Adam. All four occurrences are in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke).

Etymology

The name derives from the Hebrew name יוֹסֵף (Yosef), meaning 'He (Yahweh) will add' or 'He increases.' The Greek form Ἰωσῆς is a Hellenized adaptation, common in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) for the patriarch Joseph. The genitive case Ἰωσῆ follows standard Greek declension patterns for masculine nouns of the first declension.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its bearers connect to significant themes. The brothers of Jesus, including Joses (Mark 6:3), highlight Jesus's ordinary human family and the initial skepticism toward his ministry. The presence of another Joses at the cross (Mark 15:40) underscores the faithful witness of lesser-known followers. Its use in Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:29) anchors Jesus within the Davidic line and human history, affirming his messianic identity and incarnation.

Joseph/Joses was an extremely common Jewish name in the Second Temple period, honoring the revered patriarch Joseph. Using the Greek form reflects the Hellenistic cultural environment of first-century Palestine. The variation between 'Joseph' and 'Joses' in the Gospels (e.g., Mark 6:3 vs. Matthew 13:55) likely represents different Greek renderings of the same Aramaic/Hebrew name, showing fluidity in transcription.

Ἰωσήφ (iōsēph, G2501) — The more common Greek form for Joseph, used interchangeably for the same individuals (e.g., Matthew 1:16, Acts 4:36).

Word Details

Scripture References