Who was Cleophas?
Cleophas, also spelled Clopas in some Bible translations, is a lesser-known yet significant figure in the New Testament. The name Cleophas (Greek: Κλωπᾶς, Klōpas) is believed to be a Hellenized form of the Aramaic or Hebrew name Halfi or Chalpai, meaning “exchange” or “substitution.” The name appears in John 19:25, which records the presence of a woman identified as “Mary the wife of Cleophas” standing by the cross of Jesus.
Cleophas is not directly described beyond this brief mention, but traditional associations, early Church history, and other biblical references suggest he may have been the same person as Clopas, who is referenced in Luke 24:18 as the companion of the disciple who met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Some traditions even identify Cleophas as a relative of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, making him a close member of Jesus’ extended earthly family.
Biblical References
- John 19:25 – “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
- Luke 24:18 – “One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’”
- Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40 – These passages list several women present at the crucifixion and burial, including “Mary the mother of James and Joses,” which many scholars associate with Mary, the wife of Cleophas.
Possible Identifications
While the Bible does not explicitly say Cleophas and Cleopas are the same person, early Christian tradition (as recorded by Hegesippus and Eusebius) suggests that Clopas was the brother of Joseph and the father of Simeon, who succeeded James as bishop of Jerusalem. If this is accurate, Cleophas was Jesus’ uncle by marriage.
Cleophas at the Crucifixion
John 19:25 places Mary, the wife of Cleophas, at the foot of the cross alongside Jesus‘ mother, her sister (possibly Salome), and Mary Magdalene. The presence of Mary, Cleophas’s wife, so near to Jesus in His final hours suggests the family’s deep loyalty and love. It underscores that Jesus’ death was not only a public execution but also a deeply personal grief experienced by those closest to Him.
If Cleophas is the same as the Cleopas in Luke 24, he was also one of the first to encounter the risen Christ. This would demonstrate not only his proximity to Jesus’ death but also his firsthand witness to the resurrection.
Meaning for Today’s Christians
Cleophas stands as a quiet testimony to the faithfulness of Jesus’ extended family and His early disciples. Though not prominent in the narrative, he represents the many faithful followers who stayed close to Jesus both in life and in suffering. The example of Mary, his wife, staying near the cross speaks of courage and unwavering devotion—virtues that all believers are called to imitate.
If he was indeed the Cleopas of Emmaus, his journey reflects the transformation from grief and confusion to faith and joy as Jesus opened the Scriptures to him and made Himself known in the breaking of bread. This teaches that Jesus often reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek understanding, even in times of despair.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
Cleophas, either as the husband of Mary or the disciple on the road to Emmaus—or both—points us to the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His household bore witness to the crucifixion, and possibly the resurrection, anchoring the gospel in eyewitness testimony. If Cleophas was indeed Jesus’ uncle, his family’s involvement further supports the fulfillment of Scripture: that the Messiah would come not in royal splendor, but within humble, faithful Israelite families who loved God.
His life illustrates the gospel truth that salvation is not a distant or abstract idea—it touches families, homes, and individuals. His story highlights that Jesus’ mission began among His own people, was witnessed by relatives and friends, and was entrusted to ordinary people to proclaim after the resurrection.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Faithful Witness in Suffering
Cleophas’s family, especially his wife Mary, stands faithfully at the foot of the cross. This aligns with biblical themes of perseverance, loyalty, and discipleship even when following Christ leads to suffering.
2. The Role of Family in God’s Plan
Cleophas may have been a relative of Jesus. This underscores that God often works through family units and the common people to accomplish His redemptive plan.
3. Resurrection and Revelation
If Cleophas is the same person who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, his encounter shows how Jesus opens spiritual eyes through the Word and personal fellowship—a key New Testament theme.
4. Hidden Figures in Redemptive History
Cleophas reminds us that many of God’s faithful servants are not well-known but are essential to the unfolding of His purposes. Their quiet devotion and obedience leave a lasting impact.
Reflection Questions
- How does the faithfulness of Cleophas and his family encourage you in your walk with Christ?
- Are there ways you can remain faithful to Jesus even in seasons of suffering or silence?
- What can we learn from the Emmaus road story about how Jesus reveals Himself to His followers?
- How are you witnessing to Jesus’ death and resurrection in your personal life and family?
- Do you value the role of seemingly small, behind-the-scenes figures in God’s redemptive plan—like Cleophas?
Cleophas may only appear briefly in the biblical record, but his faithful presence near the cross and possible encounter with the risen Lord offer profound lessons in devotion, quiet witness, and the transformative power of walking with Jesus.