Biblical Profile: Women Named Mary

Women Named Mary

Four other Marys, apart from the mother of Jesus, are mentioned in the Gospels:

(1) Mary Magdalene (probably from Magdala in Galilee) was freed from demon possession by Jesus (Mark 16:9) and became a faithful follower and financial supporter of Jesus and his disciples (Luke 8:1-3; see also Matt 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41). She was present when Jesus was crucified and buried (Matt 27:55-61; Mark 15:40-47; John 19:25; cp. Luke 23:49, 55-56), and she went to the tomb early on Sunday morning with burial spices. She was among the first to be told of his resurrection (Matt 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11, 22-24), and she was the first to see the resurrected Jesus (Matt 28:9-10; Mark 16:9-11; John 20:1-2, 11-18).

(2) Mary the mother of James the younger (not the same person as James the apostle) and Joseph was also among the women who were present when Jesus was crucified and buried (Matt 27:55-61; Mark 15:40-47; cp. Luke 23:49, 55). Like Mary Magdalene, she was among the first who heard the news of his resurrection (Matt 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11), and she was one of the first to see the risen Jesus (Matt 28:9-10).

(3) Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus; their family was much loved by Jesus (John 11:5). Jesus commended Mary for her eagerness to learn from him (Luke 10:38-42). Soon after Jesus had raised her brother from the dead (John 11:32-45), Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with very expensive perfume, an act defended by Jesus when others criticized it as extravagant (John 12:1-11; cp. Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9).

(4) Mary the wife of Clopas was also among the women watching when Jesus was crucified (John 19:25). Her husband, Clopas, is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament.

Passages for Further Study

Matt 27:55-61; 28:1; Mark 15:40-47; 16:1-11; Luke 8:2-3; 10:38-42; 24:1-10; John 11:1-6, 17-24; 12:3-8; 19:25; 20:1-2, 11-18; Acts 12:12