Mary of Bethany in the Bible — She Hath Done What She Could

Mary of Bethany appears three times in the Gospels, and each time she is at Jesus's feet: sitting to learn (Luke 10), weeping in grief (John 11), and pouring expensive perfume (John 12). Her anointing of Jesus — with a pound of pure spikenard worth a year's wages — drew Judas's outraged protest. Jesus's response: 'She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.' Below are 6 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about mary of bethany?

Who is Mary of Bethany in the Bible? The sister of Martha and Lazarus who sat at Jesus's feet while Martha served, who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume before his crucifixion, and of whom Jesus said her memorial would be proclaimed wherever the gospel is preached.

6 Bible Verses About Mary of bethany (KJV)

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.”

Luke 10:39 KJV Read Luke chapter 10 →

“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:42 KJV Read Luke chapter 10 →

“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

John 11:32 KJV Read John chapter 11 →

“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.”

John 12:3 KJV Read John chapter 12 →

“And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.”

Mark 14:6 KJV Read Mark chapter 14 →

“Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Mark 14:9 KJV Read Mark chapter 14 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Mary of bethany in the Bible

What does the Bible say about mary of bethany?
Mary of Bethany appears three times in the Gospels, and each time she is at Jesus's feet: sitting to learn (Luke 10), weeping in grief (John 11), and pouring expensive perfume (John 12). Her anointing of Jesus — with a pound of pure spikenard worth a year's wages — drew Judas's outraged protest. Jesus's response: 'She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.' Key KJV passages: Luke 10:39, Luke 10:42, John 11:32, John 12:3, Mark 14:6.
What are the best Bible verses about mary of bethany?
The most important KJV passages on mary of bethany include: Luke 10:39, Luke 10:42, John 11:32, John 12:3, Mark 14:6. Read all 6 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about mary of bethany?
The Bible addresses mary of bethany throughout both Testaments. Key references include Luke 10:39, Luke 10:42, John 11:32, John 12:3, Mark 14:6, Mark 14:9. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about mary of bethany?
New Testament scriptures on mary of bethany: Luke 10:39, Luke 10:42, John 11:32, John 12:3. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about mary of bethany?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 6 passages on mary of bethany at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.