### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Iōsēs**, represented by `{{G2500}}`, identifies two Israelites mentioned in the scriptures. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses** and is possibly a variant of the name Joseph. The name connects to both the immediate family of Jesus and the early apostolic community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Iōsēs** `{{G2500}}` is used to identify two distinct men. The first is one of the brothers of Jesus, listed alongside James, Juda, and Simon, with Mary identified as his **mother** `{{G3384}}` ([[Matthew 13:55]]; [[Mark 6:3]]). This **Joses** is also connected to the events of the crucifixion through his mother, as "Mary the mother of James and **Joses**" was among the **women** `{{G1135}}` who witnessed the event from **afar** `{{G3113}}` off ([[Mark 15:40]]; [[Matthew 27:56]]). She also **beheld** `{{G2334}}` where Jesus was laid [[Mark 15:47]]. The second individual is a **Levite** `{{G3019}}` from the country of **Cyprus** `{{G2953}}` who was **surnamed** `{{G1941}}` Barnabas by the **apostles** `{{G652}}` [[Acts 4:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the identity and context of the individuals named **Joses**:
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (a brother): This term establishes the familial relationship of the first **Joses**, who is explicitly called the **brother** `{{G80}}` of James, Juda, and Simon [[Mark 6:3]].
* `{{G3384}}` **mḗtēr** (a "mother"): Mary is identified as the **mother** `{{G3384}}` of James and **Joses**, directly linking him to the group of women who were present at the crucifixion [[Matthew 27:56]].
* `{{G1941}}` **epikaléomai** (to entitle;...surname): This word describes the action of the apostles giving the second **Joses** a new name. He "was **surnamed** `{{G1941}}` Barnabas," signifying his role in the early church [[Acts 4:36]].
* `{{G3019}}` **Leuḯtēs** (a Levite): This identifies the tribal lineage of Joses Barnabas, specifying him as a **Levite** `{{G3019}}` and providing a detail about his background [[Acts 4:36]].
### Theological Significance
The use of the name **Joses** carries significance by connecting to key aspects of the gospel narrative:
* **Witness to Christ's Humanity:** **Joses** is listed as one of Jesus' brothers, grounding Jesus in a human family with a **mother** `{{G3384}}` and **brethren** `{{G80}}`. It is in this context of familiarity that the people were **offended** `{{G4624}}` at Him ([[Mark 6:3]]; [[Matthew 13:55]]).
* **Witness to the Passion:** The presence of "Mary the mother of **Joses**" at the crucifixion and burial provides an important testimony to these events. She is recorded as one who **beheld** `{{G2334}}` where Jesus's body was laid, a crucial detail for the subsequent accounts of the resurrection [[Mark 15:47]].
* **Early Church Encouragement:** The other **Joses**, who was surnamed Barnabas, is defined by his new name, which is interpreted as "The **son** `{{G5207}}` of **consolation** `{{G3874}}`" [[Acts 4:36]]. This highlights the value of encouragement and solace within the new community of believers being established by the **apostles** `{{G652}}`.
### Summary
In summary, the name **Iōsēs** `{{G2500}}` refers to two key figures in the New Testament. One is a member of Jesus' earthly family, whose presence underscores Christ's humanity and whose family members serve as witnesses to His death and burial. The other is a foundational member of the early church, whose surname Barnabas forever associates him with the vital ministry of consolation. Though a minor name, **Joses** connects both the family of Jesus and the family of faith.
TRV