What is the number of Marys in the Bible?

Introduction

The question of how many individuals named Mary appear in the Bible can become complex, given that “Mary” (Greek: Μαρία or Μαριάμ) was a very common name in the first century. The New Testament, in particular, features multiple women named Mary, some of whose identities overlap or remain uncertain. Below is a comprehensive overview of these Marys, including relevant Scripture references from the Berean Standard Bible. Where possible, the context and historical understanding of each Mary will be provided, along with cross-references to help solidify the count of how many distinct Marys appear.

1. The Name “Mary” in Scripture

The name “Mary” comes from the Hebrew name Miriam (מִרְיָם). In first-century Judea, “Mary/Mariam” was exceedingly popular. Textual critics note that the earliest known manuscripts of the Gospels (such as Papyrus 66 and Papyrus 75) exhibit consistency in naming these different women. Early church writers explain that the name’s prevalence makes it essential to distinguish among the various Marys mentioned in Scripture.

2. Mary, the Mother of Jesus

This Mary is primarily described in the Gospels:

• She receives the angelic announcement in Matthew 1:20–21 (BSB: “Joseph son of David... do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the Child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”).

• She appears during key events of her Son’s life, including the wedding at Cana (John 2:1–5), at the Crucifixion (John 19:25–27), and in the early church after the Resurrection (Acts 1:14).

She is consistently distinguished from other women of the same name by being called “the mother of Jesus.” In John 19:25, we read: “Now near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and His mother’s sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.”

3. Mary Magdalene

Often remembered as a faithful follower of Jesus, Mary Magdalene appears at significant moments in the Gospels:

• She is introduced in Luke 8:2, described as one “from whom seven demons had gone out.”

• She witnesses the Crucifixion (Mark 15:40; John 19:25) and is a key witness to Jesus’ burial (Mark 15:47) and resurrection (John 20:1–18).

She is typically identified by her hometown—Magdala—thus becoming “Mary Magdalene.” Manuscript evidence further highlights her role as the first recorded witness to the risen Christ (John 20:18).

4. Mary of Bethany

Mary of Bethany is portrayed as living in the village of Bethany with her siblings, Martha and Lazarus:

• In Luke 10:38–42, she sits at Jesus’ feet while Martha serves.

• In John 11:1–2, she is described as “Mary whose brother Lazarus was sick... Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair.”

Mary of Bethany is known for her devotion to Jesus, and most commentators see her as distinct from Mary Magdalene. She anoints Jesus shortly before His crucifixion (John 12:3–8).

5. Mary, Mother of James and Joses (and Possibly the Wife of Clopas)

A further Mary is identified as the mother of James and Joses (also known as Joseph):

• Mark 15:40 says: “There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.”

• She is very likely the same Mary referenced in Matthew 27:56, who also watched Jesus’ crucifixion and visited the tomb (Matthew 27:61; 28:1).

In John 19:25, the text mentions “Mary the wife of Clopas,” who was standing by the cross. While some hold that Mary, the mother of James and Joses, is the same individual as Mary the wife of Clopas, others see them as potentially separate persons. The majority view combines these into a single Mary, so these verses could be referring to the same person.

6. Mary, the Mother of John Mark

In Acts 12:12, after Peter’s miraculous release from prison, “he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark.” This Mary opened her home to believers for prayer and fellowship, suggesting she played a supportive role in the early church. She is distinguished by referencing her son “John Mark,” a companion of Barnabas and Paul (Acts 12:25; 2 Timothy 4:11).

7. Mary of Rome

In Romans 16:6, Paul sends greetings to a certain Mary: “Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.” This Mary is recognized for her labor in service to the believers in Rome. Most commentators see her as distinct from all other Marys mentioned above, marking her as a separate individual known for her active engagement in the church.

8. Counting the Marys

Most readers identify at least these six distinct Marys:

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus

2. Mary Magdalene

3. Mary of Bethany

4. Mary, Mother of James and Joses (often seen as Mary, wife of Clopas)

5. Mary, Mother of John Mark

6. Mary of Rome (Romans 16:6)

Some propose that Mary the mother of James and Joses and Mary the wife of Clopas are two separate women (bringing the number to seven). However, the majority view merges these references, leading to six primary distinct Marys in the New Testament.

9. Additional Observations and Manuscript Witness

Early manuscripts such as Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, and the papyri (e.g., p66, p75) consistently preserve the names of these Marys, supporting their historical existence and the reliability of the Gospel accounts. This strong textual tradition indicates that the early church was keenly aware of these distinct female figures, especially those who witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection. This corroborates their authenticity and importance, as women’s testimony in first-century culture was not commonly emphasized—making these accounts all the more remarkable for retaining and highlighting their names.

Conclusion

Across the New Testament, at least six notable women bear the name Mary. The most widely accepted list includes: (1) Mary, the mother of Jesus, (2) Mary Magdalene, (3) Mary of Bethany, (4) Mary the mother of James and Joses (likely the wife of Clopas), (5) Mary the mother of John Mark, and (6) Mary greeted by Paul in Romans 16:6. While scholars occasionally debate overlaps, the consistent manuscript and early church record provide grounded evidence for distinguishing these Marys. Their presence and roles throughout the Gospels and Epistles demonstrate the integral part they each played in the unfolding biblical narrative.