### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Mártha**, represented by `{{G3136}}`, is the name of a Christian woman, likely of Chaldee origin meaning "mistress". It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses**, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and John. Her identity is closely tied to her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, and her personal interactions with Jesus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3136}}` is introduced as the **sister** `{{G79}}` of Mary `{{G3137}}` and Lazarus `{{G2976}}` [[John 11:1]]. She is a woman of action and hospitality who **received** `{{G5264}}` Jesus into her **house** `{{G3624}}` [[Luke 10:38]]. A defining moment occurs when she is **cumbered** `{{G4049}}` with much **serving** `{{G1248}}` and appeals to the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` for help [[Luke 10:40]]. When her brother dies, it is Martha who goes out to **meet** `{{G5221}}` Jesus, expressing both her faith and her sorrow [[John 11:20-21]]. Despite her practical protest that Lazarus's body would **stink** `{{G3605}}` [[John 11:39]], she witnesses his resurrection after affirming her belief in the final **resurrection** `{{G386}}` [[John 11:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the character of Martha:
* `{{G1247}}` **diakonéō** (to serve): This word defines Martha's primary activity. She **served** `{{G1247}}` at a **supper** `{{G1173}}` for Jesus [[John 12:2]] and was distracted by her desire to **serve** `{{G1247}}` alone [[Luke 10:40]].
* `{{G5264}}` **hypodéchomai** (to receive hospitably): This emphasizes her role as a host. The scripture states that Martha **received** `{{G5264}}` Jesus into her home, an act of welcome and hospitality [[Luke 10:38]].
* `{{G4049}}` **perispáō** (to distract): This describes the state of being pulled in many directions. Martha was **cumbered** `{{G4049}}` by her many duties, highlighting the tension between service and anxiety [[Luke 10:40]].
* `{{G2962}}` **kýrios** (Lord, master): Martha consistently addresses Jesus with this title of respect and authority, calling him **Lord** `{{G2962}}` when she feels overwhelmed [[Luke 10:40]], when expressing her grief [[John 11:21]], and at the tomb [[John 11:39]].
### Theological Significance
The encounters with `{{G3136}}` carry significant weight, illustrating several themes:
* **Active Faith and Service:** Martha's faith is demonstrated through her actions. She **received** `{{G5264}}` Jesus into her home [[Luke 10:38]] and **served** `{{G1247}}` Him [[John 12:2]]. This highlights the importance of practical hospitality in Christian life.
* **The Struggle Between Faith and Sight:** Martha is a model of honest faith. She makes a profound confession of belief in the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` [[John 11:24]], yet her faith is tested by the physical reality of death when she warns Jesus that Lazarus's body will **stink** `{{G3605}}` [[John 11:39]].
* **A Personal Relationship with Jesus:** The narrative emphasizes that Jesus **loved** `{{G25}}` Martha, her **sister** `{{G79}}`, and **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}` [[John 11:5]]. He engages with her directly, offering gentle correction about her anxieties [[Luke 10:41]] and leading her to a deeper understanding of who He is.
* **Invitation to Right Priorities:** Jesus' response to Martha, "thou art careful and troubled about many things" [[Luke 10:41]], is not a condemnation of service but an invitation to choose the "one thing" that is needful, balancing active duty with attentive devotion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3136}}` is far more than a name; she is a complex and relatable figure of faith. Martha embodies the virtues of hospitality and diligent service, yet also reveals the human tendency toward anxiety and doubt in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Through her interactions with Jesus, she grows in understanding and stands as a powerful example of a disciple who was personally **loved** `{{G25}}` by the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`, who served Him faithfully, and who ultimately professed Him as the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` and the life.
TRV