Mary Μαρία
Sister of Martha and Lazarus, sat at Jesus' feet.
Who is Mary in the Bible?
Mary most commonly refers to Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who appears prominently in the Gospels as a devoted follower of Jesus. When Jesus visited their home, Mary sat at His feet listening to His teachings while Martha busied herself with serving, and Jesus affirmed her choice to focus on His words as "the better part" (Luke 10:39, 42). After her brother Lazarus died, Mary's deep faith and grief moved Jesus to tears, and He raised Lazarus from the dead as a demonstration of His power over death (John 11:1-44). Later, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wiped them with her hair in an act of humble devotion, which Jesus defended as a beautiful expression of love and faith (John 12:3). Mary's life illustrates the spiritual significance of prioritizing intimate communion with Jesus and responding to His person with extravagant love and worship.
Biography
Mary was a woman from Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and a close friend of Jesus. When Jesus visited their home, Mary sat at His feet, listening intently to His teachings, while her sister Martha was busy serving. When Martha complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus commended Mary for choosing the better part by focusing on His words (Luk.10.39, 42). After the death of Lazarus, Mary fell at Jesus' feet, expressing her grief and faith in Him. Jesus was deeply moved by her sorrow and wept with her before raising Lazarus from the dead (Jhn.11.1-44). Later, during a meal at their home, Mary took a pound of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. This act of devotion and love was criticized by Judas Iscariot, but Jesus defended her, stating that she had anointed Him for His burial (Jhn.12.3-8).
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentLuke 2 verses
- Luke 10:39
"She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message."
Study Luke → - Luke 10:42
"But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”"
Study Luke →
John 5 verses
- John 11:1
"At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha."
Study John → - John 11:2
"(Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.)"
Study John → - John 11:19
"and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother."
Study John → - John 11:20
"So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home."
Study John → - John 11:28
"After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.”"
Study John →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Μαρία | María | Maria or Mariam (i.e. Mirjam), the name of six Christian females |