📖 Biblical Definition
Mary Magdalene was a woman from the Galilean town of Magdala out of whom Christ had cast seven demons. She became one of the women who supported the Lord and the Twelve from her own means, stood at the cross when most disciples had fled, watched the burial, returned to the tomb on the first day of the week, and was the first human being to see the risen Christ. She was, by Christ's direct commission, the first apostle of the resurrection — the apostle to the apostles.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
A woman of Magdala delivered from seven demons; first witness of the resurrection (Jn 20:11-18).
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Out of her Christ cast seven demons (Lk 8:2). She supported His ministry from her own means (Lk 8:3). She stood at the cross (Jn 19:25). She watched where He was laid (Mt 27:61). She came first to the tomb on the first day (Jn 20:1).
Old Western tradition often confused her with the unnamed sinful woman of Luke 7 and with Mary of Bethany; the New Testament does not. Three distinct women, one of whom is the resurrection's first eyewitness.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 8:2 — "Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils."
John 19:25 — "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."
John 20:16 — "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master."
John 20:18 — "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Folk tradition has burdened her with sins Scripture never names and stripped her of the office Scripture clearly gives: first witness of the resurrection.
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Scripture says: seven demons cast out, supporter of Jesus' ministry, witness at the cross and the tomb, first to whom the risen Christ said her name and entrusted the apostolic message. Western folk tradition has added: prostitute (not in the text). Both errors should be retired.
Mary Magdalene's actual office is staggering. The first sermon of Easter morning was preached by a woman, by the Lord's direct word, to His own apostles. Scripture is the corrective; folklore is the corruption.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Her name combines a common Hebrew first name with a Galilean place.
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Hebrew Miryam (Mary) — possibly ‘bitter’ or ‘beloved’; the most common female name in first-century Judea.
Magdala — a Galilean fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Usage
"First witness of the resurrection — that is the office, by the Lord's appointment."
"Scripture says seven demons; tradition added what Scripture did not."
"Mary — one word from the risen Christ, and she knew Him."