Learn more about Clopas

Introduction to Clopas

Clopas is a relatively obscure but significant figure mentioned in the New Testament. Though little is said directly about him, Clopas is connected to key individuals surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His name appears in association with one of the women present at the crucifixion, suggesting familial ties to both Jesus’ mother Mary and to early followers of Jesus. Because of variations in name transliteration and potential overlapping identities in the Gospels, Clopas has been a subject of scholarly discussion, particularly regarding his exact relation to Jesus and others in His circle.

Clopas Pronunciation

“Clopas” is pronounced as KLOH-pas, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Clopas in the New Testament

Clopas is mentioned directly in one verse in the New Testament, but context and related names offer deeper insight into his identity:

• John 19:25 – "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene." This verse is the clearest reference to Clopas, identifying him indirectly through his wife, Mary.
• Luke 24:18 – One of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is named Cleopas. Some scholars believe Cleopas and Clopas may be the same individual, although others see them as different people due to variation in Greek spelling.

This limited but rich scriptural data places Clopas (and his family) in close proximity to Jesus at crucial moments, especially His crucifixion.

Clopas in Biblical History and Context

Though the Bible gives minimal direct information about Clopas, several traditions and contextual clues suggest his importance:

• Mary, Wife of Clopas – She is one of the few women present at the crucifixion. This indicates her, and by association Clopas’, close association with Jesus’ ministry.
• Family Connection to Jesus – According to early church historian Hegesippus (as cited by Eusebius), Clopas was the brother of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. If true, this would make Clopas Jesus’ uncle, and his children, such as James the Less, Jesus’ cousins.
• James the Less and Joses – In the synoptic Gospels (e.g., Mark 15:40), a Mary is described as the mother of James the Less and Joses. This is often interpreted to be the same Mary mentioned as the wife of Clopas in John 19:25, further tying Clopas to key early disciples.

Related Themes and Meanings to Clopas

The name Clopas opens discussion around themes of discipleship, familial connections to Jesus, and the role of lesser-known figures in the Gospel narrative:

• Family of Jesus: Clopas is possibly part of Jesus’ extended family, emphasizing the human lineage and community around Jesus.
• Witness to the Crucifixion: Through Mary, Clopas is linked to the faithful few who remained near Jesus in His final hours.
• Early Church Leadership: If Clopas is indeed the father of James the Less, then he is indirectly connected to the foundational leadership of the early Christian community.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Clopas

• The Greek form of Clopas (Κλωπᾶς, Klōpas) is sometimes confused with Cleopas (Κλεοπᾶς, Kleopas), leading to much scholarly debate over whether these are variant forms of the same name or entirely different individuals.
• Hegesippus, an early Christian writer (2nd century A.D.), claims that Clopas' son, Symeon (or Simeon), succeeded James as bishop of Jerusalem, showing the continuing prominence of Clopas' family in the early Church.
• The identification of “Mary the wife of Clopas” as Jesus’ aunt is based on reading John 19:25 as listing four women rather than three, with “His mother’s sister” being a distinct person from “Mary the wife of Clopas.” This is not universally accepted but is a longstanding tradition.
• Clopas’ family may have belonged to the conservative and devout Jewish circles in Judea, as their close presence with Jesus during His passion indicates deep commitment and perhaps long-standing ties to His ministry.

Conclusion

Though only mentioned briefly in the Bible, Clopas emerges as a figure of quiet importance. Whether as the husband of a devoted follower of Christ, the uncle of Jesus, or even a disciple on the road to Emmaus, Clopas represents the interconnected web of family and faith that surrounded Jesus throughout His life and ministry. His legacy is a testament to how even those mentioned in passing can hold deep significance in the unfolding story of redemption.