📖 Biblical Definition
Mary of Clopas (or Cleophas) was one of the women standing by the cross of Jesus (Jn 19:25). She is identified by John as Mary's relative (sometimes translated sister, but more likely kinswoman) and the wife of Clopas. Some traditions identify her with Mary the mother of James the less and Joses (Mt 27:56, Mk 15:40), and identify Clopas with Alphaeus, making her the mother of James the apostle (son of Alphaeus). The identifications are uncertain, but she stands at the cross.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
One of the women at the cross (Jn 19:25); possibly mother of James the less and wife of Clopas / Alphaeus.
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John 19:25: now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. The grammar is debated; whether his mother's sister is the same as Mary the wife of Cleophas or a separate person.
Mark 15:40 and Mt 27:56 list Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses at the cross; commonly identified with Mary of Clopas. If Clopas = Alphaeus (a possible Aramaic-Greek transliteration variation), she is also the mother of the apostle James son of Alphaeus.
📖 Key Scripture
John 19:25 — "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."
Matthew 27:56 — "Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children."
Mark 15:40 — "Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome."
Luke 24:18 — "And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said unto him."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often passes over the women at the cross; named precisely in the Gospels, they witnessed both crucifixion and resurrection — the apostles fled, the women stayed.
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All four Gospels name women at the cross. The Twelve fled (Jn 19, only John remained). The women remained. Mary of Clopas is one of those named; her presence is not incidental.
She also went to the tomb on the morning of the resurrection (Mt 28:1, Mk 16:1, Lk 24:10). The household's gospel comes through these women's eyes: cross witnessed, burial seen, empty tomb encountered, risen Lord met. The witness chain is theirs.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek transliteration of Aramaic.
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Greek Maria he tou Klôpa — Mary the (wife) of Clopas.
Note: Clopas may be the same as Cleopas of Lk 24:18 (Emmaus road); the spellings are close.
Usage
"The Twelve fled; the women stayed."
"The witness chain is theirs."
"Cross witnessed, burial seen, empty tomb encountered, risen Lord met."