[dangus]

To put it real simply: Might anepsios be used in the bible for cross cousins, while adelphos is used for brothers and ortho-cousins (or parallel cousins)?

[humblegunner]

Bleg?

[ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY]

I can't tell you what the specific words are, but Greek has very good words the differentiate “brother” from half-brother” etc..

Jesus had several brothers born of his mother Mary.

[skr]

Why are some so vested in Mary not having any other children? It would not negate her virginity status concerning Jesus’ birth, and it would neither make her less obedient nor less righteous for having sons and daughters who were mere humans.

[JoeProBono]

[Nosterrex]

The view that Mary did not have other children is not based upon Scripture, but on a pious view that virginity is a higher spiritual estate than motherhood. The idea that Mary actually engaged in sexual intercourse is thought to be “worldly.” The Scriptures are very clear that Jesus had brothers and sisters, and there is no exegetical reason to assume that they are cousins or stepchildren. Her title as “semper virgo,” denotes her relationship to Jesus.