James, son of Zebedee

One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus

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Lived 1–44, aged 43Israel

Israel Religious Figures

Wikipedia
88 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in Israel
#117
Religious Figures
Era
1–44
Aged 43

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

One of the Twelve Apostles, he was the first to be martyred — killed around 44 — and became patron saint of Spain, where his claimed remains still draw pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.

Biography

About

James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, was called among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. The New Testament records that he became the second apostle to die, after Judas Iscariot, when he was martyred around the year 44. Tradition holds that his remains were carried to Galicia in northwestern Spain, where they came to rest in what is now Santiago de Compostela. That claim made him the patron saint of Spain and turned the Galician city into one of Christianity's major pilgrimage sites. He was also known as James the Great, James the Greater, and Santiago.

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from James, son of Zebedee

James, son of Zebedee

saidundated

For the one who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

— James 2:13, NWT

James, son of Zebedee

saidundated

Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it?

— James 2:14-17, NWT

James, son of Zebedee

saidundated

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

— James 3:5-6, KJV

James, son of Zebedee

saidundated

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

— James 3:17-18, KJV

James, son of Zebedee

saidundated