[xzins]

You're right. It's one of the possibilities. I think the context rules it out, but it should be included. Thanks.

[spunkets]

This passage from Matt, which also occurs in Mark 31-35, distinguishes between bros and brethren. There's also a strong connection with Mary here, so I doubt they are cousins. The implication is that they are her sons. This passage, along with Matthew's "until" limit is enough scriptural testimony to place large doubt on the perpetual virginity claim. The only way to get around these passages is with a lot of hand waiving and resort to further inventions.

Matt 46-50
"While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."

He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

John 7:5 also says that Jesus' bros doubted Him. John 7:5, "For even his own brothers did not believe in him." I really doubt John meant cousins, because of the emphasis on the closeness of those who didn't believe Him. John the Baptist was His cousin, of course He believed Him!