James the Less was an apostle of early Christianity who lived in Jerusalem. He is distinguished from James the Great by his epithet, which signifies he was either younger or shorter. Traditionally identified as the son of Alphaeus, he is often linked to the biblical figure James the Just, whom some historians and theologians, including Jerome, suggest was a cousin of Jesus. He is recognized as a significant figure in the early church, with traditions describing him as a leader within the Jerusalem community.