James D. Tabor: An Unnamed Father of Jesus

May 15, 2023 | Jesus is known in Hebrew non-polemical sources as "Yeshua ben Pantera," that is "Jesus son of Pantera." The later scandalous tales of Mary, his mother, being raped by a Roman soldier, or guilty of adultery, are just that--attempts to malign both her and her "illegitimate" son. However, another possibility, that fits our earliest references to a Jewish man named Pantera, who is close to Mary's age and related to her family, remains an intriguing possibility. In this short overview I survey the main questions and what we know and don't know about Jesus' biological father.

Mark, our earliest narrative of Jesus, includes no birth story whatsoever and never mentions Joseph, husband of Mary, at all in his entire gospel--but he does call Jesus the "son of Mary." Here is my take on things.


Please note that I do not place this video here because I necessarily believe it; rather, I place it here out of interest and intellectual stimulation. There is much in religion that we still know nothing or little about. I keep an open mind. As, indeed, I try to do about all things. New evidence brings new understanding. Beware the man/woman who is sure about everything! – Mark

James D. Tabor.