James, the son of Alphaeus and quite possibly the brother of Matthew/Levi. He is somethimes referred to as James the Less, or James the Younger (Mark 15:40). The Greek term translated "the younger" can also be translated "the little", which probably gives the correct meaning, indicating that he was perhaps short in stature and shorter than James, the son of Zebedee - another disciple. James the Less (Greek "mikros") also meaning small and younger. Very little is known about this disciple. In fact, the least is known about this disciple than any other. There is much speculation as to his identity. Some believe that he is the Lord's brother or cousin according to Mark 6:3. If this is true then his mother is Mary which contradicts the early narratives of Mary's husband being Joseph. However, Mary had a sister also named Mary who was the wife of Clopas which is a variation of the name Alphaeus (John 19:25). It is possible then that this is the Mary who was the mother of both Matthew and James the Less. On the contrary, Mary could've possibly been the step-mother of either one of these two young men while Alphaeus was the father of both. This is more than likely the correct assumption. If Matthew is the brother of James, then we do know he was from Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee.

The Bible makes no additional references to James the Less/Younger outside of his name being made mention of simply as a disciple. As to his last years, the best tradition has it that he preached in Syria. As to his fate, some have speculated that he was thrown from the temple in Jerusalem by the scribes and Pharisees which he was then stoned to death and his brains dashed out with a fuller's club.