James Son of Zebedee in the Bible — The First Apostle Martyred

James son of Zebedee was a fisherman who with his brother John was called by Jesus while mending nets. Jesus nicknamed them 'Boanerges' — Sons of Thunder — for their fiery temperament. James was present at the Transfiguration and in Gethsemane. His was the shortest apostolic career: Acts 12:2 records simply that Herod 'killed James the brother of John with the sword' — the first apostle martyred. Below are 2 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about james son of zebedee?

Who is James in the Bible? The son of Zebedee, brother of John, one of Jesus's innermost three — who witnessed the Transfiguration, prayed in Gethsemane, and became the first apostle to be martyred, killed by Herod Agrippa around AD 44.

2 Bible Verses About James son of zebedee (KJV)

“So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.”

Matthew 4:21 KJV — The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness Read Matthew chapter 4 →

“A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.”

Acts 12:2 KJV Read Acts chapter 12 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About James son of zebedee in the Bible

What does the Bible say about james son of zebedee?
James son of Zebedee was a fisherman who with his brother John was called by Jesus while mending nets. Jesus nicknamed them 'Boanerges' — Sons of Thunder — for their fiery temperament. James was present at the Transfiguration and in Gethsemane. His was the shortest apostolic career: Acts 12:2 records simply that Herod 'killed James the brother of John with the sword' — the first apostle martyred. Key KJV passages: Matthew 4:21, Mark 10:35, Mark 10:39, Matthew 17:1, Acts 12:2.
What are the best Bible verses about james son of zebedee?
The most important KJV passages on james son of zebedee include: Matthew 4:21, Mark 10:35, Mark 10:39, Matthew 17:1, Acts 12:2. Read all 2 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about james son of zebedee?
The Bible addresses james son of zebedee throughout both Testaments. Key references include Matthew 4:21, Mark 10:35, Mark 10:39, Matthew 17:1, Acts 12:2. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
What does the New Testament say about james son of zebedee?
New Testament scriptures on james son of zebedee: Matthew 4:21, Mark 10:35, Mark 10:39, Matthew 17:1. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about james son of zebedee?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 2 passages on james son of zebedee at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.