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Portrait of Mary of BethanyPortrait · Mary of Bethany

Gospels · New Testament

Mary of Bethany

Devoted Listener Who Anointed Jesus

Name meaning
Bitter or beloved; debated
Name origin
Hebrew: מִרְיָם (Miryam); Greek: Μαρία (Maria), etymology debated

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Disciple
  • Homemaker with Martha
Birthplace
Bethany
Modern-day location
Bethany, modern al-Eizariya in the West Bank near Jerusalem.
Family
  • Sister of Martha and Lazarus
First mention
Luke 10:39; John 11:1-2
Last mention
John 12:3-8
Key artifacts
  • Alabaster jar of spikenard
  • Place at Jesus' feet
  • Tomb of Lazarus

Key verses

  • “which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.”

    Luke 10:39

  • “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

    John 11:32

  • “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus.”

    John 12:3

Biography

Early Life

Mary of Bethany lived with Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, a village close to Jerusalem where Jesus often stayed.

Defining Biblical Moments

Mary sat at Jesus' feet to listen, anointed his feet with costly perfume after Lazarus was raised, and was defended by Jesus when criticized for extravagance.

Strengths

Mary is portrayed as attentive, worshipful, and extravagantly generous in devotion to Jesus.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The narrative focuses on her exemplary devotion; the contrast with Martha highlights different but complementary forms of discipleship.

Life Lessons for Today

Listening to Jesus precedes serving him; worship may look wasteful to others but is treasured by God.

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Mary of Bethany appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #45 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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