Topical Encyclopedia
Bethany is a significant location in the New Testament, known primarily as the village where Jesus often visited and performed notable miracles. It is situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, approximately two miles from Jerusalem. This proximity to the Holy City made it a convenient place for Jesus to stay during His visits to Jerusalem.
Biblical SignificanceBethany is most famously recognized as the home of siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The Gospel of John records the profound miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, an event that underscored His divine authority over life and death.
John 11:1-44 details this miracle, highlighting Jesus' compassion and power. In
John 11:25-26 , Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die."
Bethany is also the setting for the anointing of Jesus by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. This act of devotion is recorded in
John 12:1-8, where Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair. Jesus commends her actions, recognizing it as preparation for His burial.
Role in Jesus' MinistryBethany served as a place of refuge and rest for Jesus. It was here that He found hospitality and friendship, particularly in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The Gospel of Luke recounts a visit where Martha is busy with preparations while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching (
Luke 10:38-42). This passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.
The Triumphal EntryBethany also plays a role in the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It was from Bethany that Jesus began His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey as the crowds hailed Him as the King of Israel (
Mark 11:1-11). This event fulfilled the prophecy of
Zechariah 9:9 and marked the beginning of the Passion Week.
The AscensionAfter His resurrection, Jesus led His disciples out as far as Bethany, where He blessed them and ascended into heaven (
Luke 24:50-51). This event signifies the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His exaltation at the right hand of the Father.
Archaeological and Historical ContextBethany, known today as Al-Eizariya, meaning "Place of Lazarus," has been a site of Christian pilgrimage for centuries. Archaeological findings have uncovered remains of ancient structures, including what is believed to be the tomb of Lazarus. These discoveries provide historical context to the biblical narratives and affirm the longstanding tradition of Bethany as a place of spiritual significance.
In summary, Bethany is a location rich in biblical history and theological importance. It is a place where Jesus demonstrated His divine power, received hospitality, and prepared for His ultimate sacrifice. The events that transpired in Bethany continue to inspire and teach believers about faith, devotion, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bethanythe house of song; the house of affliction
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bethany(house of dates, or house of misery), a village which, scanty as are the notices of it contained in Scripture, is more intimately associated in our minds than perhaps any other place with the most familiar acts and scenes of the last days of the life of Christ. It was situated "at" the Mount of Olives, (Mark 11:1;Luke 19:29) about fifteen stadia (furlongs, i.e. 1 1/2 or 2 miles) from Jerusalem (John 11:18) on or near the usual road From Jericho to the city, (Luke 19:29) comp. Mark 11:1 comp. Mark 10:46 And close by the west(?) of another village called Bethphage, the two being several times mentioned together. Bethany was the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus, and is now known by a name derived from Lazarus--el-Azariyeh orLazarieh . It lies on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, fully a mile beyond the summit, and not very far from the point at which the road to Jericho begins its more sudden descent towards the Jordan valley.El-Azariyeh is a ruinous and wretched village, a wild mountain hamlet of some twenty families. Bethany has been commonly explained "house of dates," but it more probably signifies "house of misery." H. Dixon, "Holy Land," ii. 214, foll.
ATS Bible Dictionary
BethanyA village on the eastern slope of the Mount Olivet, about two miles east-south-east of Jerusalem, and on the road to Jericho. It was often visited by Christ,Matthew 21:17;Mark 11:1,12;Luke 19:29. Here Martha and Mary dwelt, and Lazarus was raised from the dead,John 11:1-57 Here Mary anointed the Lord against the day of his burying,John 12:1-50; and from the midst of his disciples near this village which he loved, he ascended to heaven,Matthew 24:50. Its modern name, Aziriyeh , is derived from Lazarus. It is a poor village of some twenty families.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
House of dates.
(1.) The Revised Version inJohn 1:28 has this word instead of Bethabara, on the authority of the oldest manuscripts. It appears to have been the name of a place on the east of Jordan.
(2.) A village on the south-eastern slope of the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:1), about 2 miles east of Jerusalem, on the road to Jericho. It derived its name from the number of palm-trees which grew there. It was the residence of Lazarus and his sisters. It is frequently mentioned in connection with memorable incidents in the life of our Lord (Matthew 21:17;26:6;Mark 11:11, 12;14:3;Luke 24:50;John 11:1;12:1). It is now known by the name of el-Azariyeh, i.e., "place of Lazarus," or simply Lazariyeh. Seen from a distance, the village has been described as "remarkably beautiful, the perfection of retirement and repose, of seclusion and lovely peace." Now a mean village, containing about twenty families.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETHANYbeth'-a-ni (Bethania):
(1) A village, 15 furlongs from Jerusalem (John 11:18), on the road to Jericho, at the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:1Luke 19:29), where lived "Simon the leper" (Mark 14:3) and Mary, Martha and Lazarus (John 11:18 f). This village may justifiably be called the Judean home of Jesus, as He appears to have preferred to lodge there rather than in Jerusalem itself (Matthew 21:17Mark 11:11). Here occurred the incident of the raising of Lazarus (John 11) and the feast at the house of Simon (Matthew 26:1-13Mark 14:3-9Luke 7:36-50John 1:2:1-8). The Ascension as recorded inLuke 24:50-51 is thus described: "He led them out until they were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven."
Bethany is today el `Azareyeh ("the place of Lazarus"-the L being displaced to form the article). It is a miserably untidy and tumble-down village facing East on the Southeast slope of the Mount of Olives, upon the carriage road to Jericho. A fair number of fig, almond and olive trees surround the houses. The traditional tomb of Lazarus is shown and there are some remains of medieval buildings, besides rock-cut tombs of much earlier date (PEF, III, 27, Sheet XVII).
(2) "Bethany beyond the Jordan" (John 1:28; the King James Version Bethabara; Bethabara, a reading against the majority of the manuscripts, supported by Origen on geographical grounds): No such place is known. Grove suggested that the place intended is BETH-NIMRAH (which see), the modern Tell nimrin, a singularly suitable place, but hard to fit in withJohn 1:28; compareJohn 2:1. The traditional site is the ford East of Jericho.
E. W. G. Masterman
Greek
963. Bethania -- "house of affliction" or "house of dates...... 962, 963. Bethania. 964 . "house of affliction" or "house of dates,"
Bethany, the name of two cities in Palestine. Part of Speech
...2976. Lazaros -- Lazarus, the name of two Israelites
... Phonetic Spelling: (lad'-zar-os) Short Definition: Lazarus, Eliezer Definition:
Lazarus, Eliezer, (a) the beggar, (b) the brother of Martha and Mary, ofBethany...
3136. Martha -- Martha, a Christian woman
... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Martha Phonetic Spelling: (mar'-thah) Short
Definition: Martha Definition: Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus ofBethany...
Library
Memories ofBethany
Memories ofBethany. <. Memories ofBethany John Ross Macduff.
Produced by Heiko Evermann, Nigel Blower and the Online...
TheBethany Height of Faith.
... 50) TheBethany Height of Faith. TheBethany story is one of the tenderest of all.
It touches the heights.... TheBethany pitch of faith makes connections....
The Open Grave atBethany
... THE OPEN GRAVE ATBETHANY. 'Now Jesus... 45. Why did Jesus stay outsideBethany
and summon Martha and Mary to come to Him? Apparently...
Bethany. Beth-Hene.
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 41-50 Chapter 41Bethany. Beth-hene.Bethany
seems to be the same with Beth-hene among the Talmudists....
Jesus and theBethany Sisters.
... CHAPTER X. JESUS AND THEBETHANY SISTERS. Her... TENNYSON. The story of Jesus
and theBethany home is intensely interesting. Every...
And Jesus came toBethany, and Found Him Already Four Days in the...
... The Text of the Diatessaron. Section XXXVIII. And Jesus came toBethany,
and found him already four days in the grave.? [1, 2] [2596...
He Led them Forth toBethany,
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH He led them forth toBethany,. 8,6,8,6. He led them forth
toBethany,. And with uplifted hand,. Invoked abiding blessing there,....
In Jericho and atBethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the...
... IN JERICHO AND ATBETHANY - JERICHO - A GUEST WITH ZACCH??US - THE HEALING OF BLIND
BARTIM??US - THE PLOT AT JERUSALEM - ATBETHANY, AND IN THE HOUSE OF SIMON...
Bethany.
... 311Bethany. 6s & 4s. Nearer to God. (709) Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer
to thee; E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me. Still...
Bethany.
... 310Bethany. 6s & 4s. Love to Christ Desired. (584) More love to thee,
O Christ, More love to thee! Hear thou the prayer I make...
Thesaurus
Bethany (13 Occurrences)... a mean village, containing about twenty families. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
BETHANY. beth'-a-ni (Bethania): (1) A village, 15
...Bethabara (1 Occurrence)
... The Revised Version reads "Bethany beyond Jordan." It was the great ford, and still
bears the name of "the ford," Makhadhet `Abarah, "the ford of crossing over...
Bethphage (3 Occurrences)
... of the unripe fig, a village on the Mount of Olives, on the road from Jerusalem
to Jericho (Matthew 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 19:29), and very close toBethany....
Martha (12 Occurrences)
... Bitterness, the sister of Lazarus and Mary, and probably the eldest of the family,
who all resided atBethany (Luke 10:38, 40, 41; John 11:1-39)....
Olves
... The road from Jerusalem toBethany runs as of old over this mount. It was
on this mount that Jesus stood when he wept over Jerusalem....
Beth-phage (3 Occurrences)
... of the unripe fig, a village on the Mount of Olives, on the road from Jerusalem
to Jericho (Matthew 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 19:29), and very close toBethany....
Lazarus (19 Occurrences)
... (1.) The brother of Mary and Martha ofBethany.... 1. Lazarus ofBethany: The
home of the Lazarus mentioned in John 11:1 wasBethany....
Malchiel (3 Occurrences)
... of the Kidron valley, terminating at the Wady en Nar, and another, higher one, which
slopes eastward and terminates a little beyond el-`Azareyeh (modernBethany...
Olives (30 Occurrences)
... of the Kidron valley, terminating at the Wady en Nar, and another, higher one, which
slopes eastward and terminates a little beyond el-`Azareyeh (modernBethany...
Nigh (243 Occurrences)
... Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage andBethany, at the
mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, (KJV ASV WBS YLT)....
Resources
What is the significance of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mary of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Martha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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