Boy New Testament Known
Alphaeus
Ἀλφαῖος
Alphaeus (Greek: Ἀλφαῖος) is a biblical name; its Greek etymology is not securely established. It appears in 7 verses across 5 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 8 children in the United States. Use is rising. Appears with Bartholomew in Acts 1.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Alphaeus
father of James
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 7 across 5 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Gospels
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 8 | Rising |
| All-time total | 13 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 8 in 2025 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Matthew 10:3 |
| Last appears | Acts 1:13 |
| Cross-references | 216 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Matthew co-occurrence Appears with Matthew in Acts 1.
- Simon co-occurrence Appears with Simon in Acts 1.
- James co-occurrence Appears with James in Acts 1.
- Judas co-occurrence Appears with Judas in Acts 1.
- Thomas co-occurrence Appears with Thomas in Acts 1.
- Bartholomew co-occurrence Appears with Bartholomew in Acts 1.
- Mary co-occurrence Appears with Mary in John 19.
Origin & meaning
Alphaeus was the father of two of Jesus' apostles, James and Matthew (also known as Levi).
The biblical story
Alphaeus, also known as Cleopas, is mentioned in the New Testament as the father of two of Jesus' apostles, James and Matthew (Levi). James, the son of Alphaeus, is listed among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. (Mat.10.3; Mrk.3.18; Luk.6.15; Act.1.13) He is often referred to as "James the Less" or "James the Younger" to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee, and James, the brother of Jesus.
Matthew, also known as Levi, is identified as the son of Alphaeus in the account of his calling as a disciple. Jesus encountered Matthew at the tax collector's booth and called him to follow him, which Matthew did, leaving behind his profession. (Mrk.2.14)
In the Gospel of John, a woman named Mary is described as standing near the cross of Jesus, along with his mother and other women. This Mary is identified as the wife of Clopas (an alternative spelling of Cleopas or Alphaeus). (Jhn.19.25) Some scholars suggest that this Mary may have been the mother of James and Matthew, but this is not explicitly stated in the text.
Additionally, in the Gospel of Luke, a man named Cleopas is mentioned as one of the two disciples who encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. (Luk.24.18) While some traditions identify this Cleopas with Alphaeus, the father of James and Matthew, there is no clear evidence in the biblical text to support this connection.
The limited information provided about Alphaeus in the Gospels and Acts focuses primarily on his relationship to his sons, James and Matthew, who became followers of Jesus and members of the twelve apostles. His mention in the biblical text serves to identify and distinguish these two disciples from others with similar names.
Key verses
Alphaeus appears in 7 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus;
Matthew 10:3 -
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
Mark 2:14 -
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Mark 3:18 -
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Luke 6:15 -
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
Luke 24:18
Show all 7 references
Matthew (1)
- Matthew 10:3
Mark (2)
- Mark 2:14
- Mark 3:18
Luke (2)
- Luke 6:15
- Luke 24:18
John (1)
- John 19:25
Acts (1)
- Acts 1:13