Mary
“Possibly from Egyptian meaning 'beloved'”
Summary
Mary was the name of several women in the New Testament, most notably the virgin mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene who was delivered from demons and witnessed the resurrection, and Mary of Bethany who anointed Jesus.
☩Mary the Mother of Jesus
Mary was a virgin of the lineage of David, betrothed to Joseph, when the angel Gabriel announced she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the Messiah. Her humble submission—'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word'—exemplifies her character. After visiting her relative Elisabeth, Mary uttered the Magnificat, revealing her deep knowledge of Scripture and devotion to God. She gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, presented Him in the temple, and fled with Joseph to Egypt to escape Herod. Later she appeared at the wedding in Cana, sought Jesus during His ministry, stood by the cross where Jesus committed her to John's care, and continued with the disciples after the ascension.
☩Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene, from the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, was one of the women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him. Jesus had cast seven demons from her, after which she became one of His most devoted followers. She stood by the cross during the crucifixion, watched His burial, and came early on the first day of the week to anoint His body. Finding the tomb empty, she remained weeping until Jesus appeared to her—making her the first witness of the resurrection. She was commissioned to announce His rising to the disciples.
☩Mary of Bethany
Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. When Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with preparations while Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to His teaching. Jesus commended her choice, saying she had chosen the 'good portion' that would not be taken away. After Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly spikenard and wiped them with her hair—an act Jesus interpreted as preparation for His burial and promised would be told as a memorial wherever the gospel was preached.
☩Other Women Named Mary
Several other women named Mary appear in the New Testament. Mary the wife of Clopas (likely the same as Alphaeus) was the mother of James the Less and Joses; she stood at the cross and visited the tomb. Mary the mother of John Mark hosted the Jerusalem church in her home, where Peter went after his miraculous release from prison. A Mary in Rome is greeted by Paul as one who 'labored much' for the believers there.
Related Verses57 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mary," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Mary," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Mary," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Mary," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Mary," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).