Definition

Proper noun 1. (New Testament figure): A disciple of Jesus Christ, specifically one of the Twelve Apostles. He is identified as the brother of the apostle John and the son of Zebedee. He is traditionally considered the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament. 2. (Historical/religious figure): This name refers specifically to James, son of Zebedee, also known as James the Great to distinguish him from other New Testament figures named James. He was martyred under King Herod Agrippa I.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Saint James was one of the first disciples called by Jesus.
  • The feast day of Saint James is celebrated on July 25th.
  • Pilgrims have traveled the Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• "St. James's": Used in the names of churches, institutions, or places dedicated to this saint (e.g., St. James's Palace, St. James's Church).
• "James the Great": An alternative title used to distinguish this apostle from James, son of Alphaeus (James the Less) and James, the brother of Jesus.

Variants and Related Words

• St. James: The common abbreviated form.
• James the Great: A distinguishing title.
• Santiago: The Spanish name for Saint James, from which the city Santiago de Compostela derives its name.
• Apostle: The category to which Saint James belongs.
• Epistle of James: The New Testament book traditionally attributed to him.

Synonyms

• James, son of Zebedee
• James the Apostle
• (In Spanish context) Santiago

Related Phrases and Idioms

• The Way of St. James / Camino de Santiago: Refers to the network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
• St. James's shell / Scallop shell: A symbol of Saint James and the pilgrimage to his shrine.

Noun

1. (New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of John; author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament