Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 Significance Bethany 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' Ministry Bethany 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 Entry Bethany 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 Ascension After 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 Context Bethany, 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 or Lazarieh . 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 in John 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): 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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/963.htm - 6k 2976. Lazaros -- Lazarus, the name of two Israelites 3136. Martha -- Martha, a Christian woman Library Memories of Bethany The Bethany Height of Faith. The Open Grave at Bethany Bethany. Beth-Hene. Jesus and the Bethany Sisters. And Jesus came to Bethany, and Found Him Already Four Days in the ... He Led them Forth to Bethany, In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ... Bethany. Bethany. Thesaurus Bethany (13 Occurrences)... a mean village, containing about twenty families. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BETHANY. beth'-a-ni (Bethania): (1) A village, 15 ... /b/bethany.htm - 14k Bethabara (1 Occurrence) Bethphage (3 Occurrences) Martha (12 Occurrences) Olves Beth-phage (3 Occurrences) Lazarus (19 Occurrences) Malchiel (3 Occurrences) Olives (30 Occurrences) Nigh (243 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mary of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Martha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bethany (13 Occurrences)Matthew 21:17 Matthew 26:6 Mark 11:1 Mark 11:11 Mark 11:12 Mark 14:3 Luke 19:29 Luke 24:50 John 1:28 John 1:43 John 11:1 John 11:18 John 12:1 Subtopics Bethany: A Village on the Eastem Slope of the Mount of Olives Bethany: Jesus Attends a Feast In Bethany: Lazarus Dies and is Raised to Life At Bethany: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus Dwell At Bethany: The Colt of a Donkey Upon Which Jesus Made his Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem, Obtained At Related Terms |