The Names of Jesus Christ’s Disciples and What Each One Means

The names of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ are something many people look up, to learn the names of the apostles Jesus chose and the meaning of each name. Here are the names of Christ’s twelve disciples and their meanings, as given in traditional Christian writings.

The names of Christ’s twelve disciples

1. Simon Peter: Simon means the obedient one who hears the word and acts on it. As for Peter, he received this name after he confessed the truth about Jesus; it means “rock”.
2. Andrew: means the courageous man, steadfast and united with the Lord.
3. James, son of Zebedee: means the one who follows after the one before him. In Arabic the name also evokes pure wine.
4. John: means “God is gracious”, or “God’s tenderness”.
5. Philip: interpreted as “mouth of the lamp”, because his mouth proclaimed the word of God, which is lamp, light and life.
6. Bartholomew: interpreted as “one who clings to the water”, a reference to the waters of baptism.
7. Thomas: interpreted as “the depths”, because after seeing the marks of Jesus’ wounds he entered into the depths of the mystery of knowing him.
8. Matthew: means “gift”. The Lord gave him the forgiveness of sins.
9. James, son of Alphaeus: means the one who follows after, the one who strives and learns.
10. Thaddaeus: means the one who guards the heart, or keeps watch over the heart.
11. Simon the Zealot: means hearing and obedience.
12. Judas Iscariot: named after his home town (traditionally Kerioth).