Apostle · Disciple · New Testament
The Story of James, son of Zebedee
Brother of John. Not James son of Alphaeus or James the brother of Jesus.
Also: James, Yakobo (Kiswahili)
Fisherman and apostle, brother of John, one of the three closest to Jesus; the first apostle martyred.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
James and his brother John, sons of Zebedee, left their father and the boat to follow Jesus. Jesus called them Boanerges, sons of thunder. Mark 1:19–20Mark 3:17
With Peter and John he saw Jairus' daughter raised, the Transfiguration, and Jesus praying in Gethsemane. Herod Agrippa had him put to death with the sword. Mark 5:37Mark 9:2Mark 14:33Acts 12:1–2
Life at a glance
- Family
- Son of Zebedee; brother of John Matthew 4:21
- Nickname
- Boanerges, sons of thunder Mark 3:17
- Death
- Killed with the sword by Herod Acts 12:2
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of James, son of Zebedee
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Called from the boat
Jesus calls James and John as they mend their nets, and they leave their father Zebedee.
With Jesus at Jairus' house and the Transfiguration
James is one of three allowed to witness the raising of Jairus' daughter and the Transfiguration.
More about this event
People: Simon Peter, John the apostle, Jesus
The request for places of honour
James and John ask to sit at Jesus' right and left; Jesus teaches that the greatest must be servant of all.
In Gethsemane
Jesus takes Peter, James and John with him to pray, and they fall asleep.
More about this event
People: Simon Peter, John the apostle, Jesus
Put to death by Herod
Herod Agrippa kills James, the brother of John, with the sword.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret James, son of Zebedee. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
Family and relationships
- John the apostleBrotherMark 1:19
- ZebedeeFatherMark 1:20
- Simon PeterFellow apostleLuke 5:10
Books associated with James, son of Zebedee
- James Their story appears here
The letter of James is not attributed to this James; it names 'James, a servant of God' (James 1:1), traditionally understood as James the brother of Jesus.
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
DiscipleshipServanthood
- What does Jesus teach James and John about greatness (Mark 10:42-45)?
Read offline
Save this story, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: Mark, Acts. The story uses the books already on your device; it never stores a second copy.