📖 Biblical Definition
Sister of Martha and Lazarus; resident of Bethany, the small village just outside Jerusalem. Sat at Christ's feet hearing His word while Martha served (Luke 10:39); ran to Him weeping at Lazarus's tomb (John 11:32); anointed His feet with a pound of very costly spikenard six days before the passion, wiping them with her hair (John 12:3). Christ said her act would be told as a memorial wherever the gospel is preached (Mark 14:9).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
MARY_OF_, n.
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A scriptural proper name; in the Gospels, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, distinguished for her devotion to Christ.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 10:39 — "And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word."
John 11:32 — "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was... she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."
John 12:3 — "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair."
Mark 14:9 — "Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Mary of Bethany's extravagance scandalized the disciples; Christ called it a permanent memorial.
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John 12 records one of the most controversial acts of devotion in the Gospels. Mary of Bethany pours a pound of pure spikenard on Christ's feet — a year's wages worth of oil — and wipes them with her hair. Judas calls it waste; the other disciples murmur. Christ silences them: let her alone... she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
Modern Christianity often instinctively sides with Judas: extravagance toward Christ is suspect; the money should have gone to the poor. Christ disagrees. Devotional extravagance toward Him is sometimes the highest act. Mary's alabaster jar broke; the smell filled the house; the act is told wherever the gospel is preached. Pour out your spikenard. The Lord receives it as memorial.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
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Usage
"Mary of Bethany's extravagance scandalized the disciples; Christ called it a permanent memorial."
"Modern Christianity often sides with Judas; Christ silenced him."
"Pour out your spikenard; the Lord receives it as memorial."