### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Μαρία (María)**, represented by `{{G3137}}`, is a name of Hebrew origin used for several Christian females. The name appears **54 times** across **46 unique verses** in the Bible. It is most famously associated with the mother of Jesus, but the Scriptures identify multiple women by this name, each playing a significant role in the life and ministry of Christ and the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{G3137}}` is used to identify several key figures. **Mary**, the mother of Jesus, is central to the nativity narrative, being a **virgin** `{{G3933}}` espoused to **Joseph** `{{G2501}}` when she conceived by the **Holy** `{{G40}}` **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` [[Matthew 1:18]]. She received a salutation from an **angel** `{{G32}}` [[Luke 1:30]], submitted to God's word [[Luke 1:38]], and kept all these things in her **heart** `{{G2588}}` [[Luke 2:19]]. Another prominent figure is **Mary** **Magdalene** `{{G3094}}`, from whom Jesus cast out **seven** `{{G2033}}` devils [[Luke 8:2]]. She was a witness at the crucifixion [[Matthew 27:56]] and was among the first to come to the sepulchre, becoming the first person to see the risen Lord ([[Mark 16:9]], [[John 20:18]]). **Mary** of Bethany, the sister of **Martha** `{{G3136}}` and **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}`, is noted for anointing the feet of Jesus with costly **ointment** `{{G3464}}` [[John 12:3]] and for choosing the **good** `{{G18}}` **part** `{{G3310}}` by sitting at his feet ([[Luke 10:39]], [[Luke 10:42]]). Other Marys mentioned include the mother of **James** `{{G2385}}` and **Joses** `{{G2500}}` [[Mark 15:40]], the **wife** `{{G1135}}` of **Cleophas** `{{G2832}}` [[John 19:25]], and the mother of John **Mark** `{{G3138}}` [[Acts 12:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the lives of the women named Mary:
* `{{G3384}}` **mḗtēr** (mother): This term is crucial for identifying several Marys, such as **Mary** the **mother** of Jesus [[Acts 1:14]], **Mary** the **mother** of James and Joses [[Matthew 27:56]], and **Mary** the **mother** of John Mark [[Acts 12:12]].
* `{{G79}}` **adelphḗ** (sister): This word defines the relationship of **Mary** of Bethany to her **sister** **Martha** `{{G3136}}` [[John 11:1]]. It is also used to describe the relationship between Jesus' mother and **Mary** the wife of **Cleophas** `{{G2832}}` [[John 19:25]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): This term connects **Mary** of Bethany to her **brother** **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}` [[John 11:2]] and is also used for the **brethren** of Jesus, who are mentioned alongside His mother **Mary** ([[Acts 1:14]], [[Mark 6:3]]).
* `{{G3094}}` **Magdalēnḗ** (Magdalene): This is used as a surname to distinguish **Mary** **Magdalene** from the other Marys. She is consistently identified this way, particularly in the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection ([[Matthew 27:56]], [[Mark 16:9]], [[John 20:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight carried by figures named `{{G3137}}` is profound, as they are central to God's redemptive work.
* **Instrument of the Incarnation:** **Mary**, the mother of Jesus, was the chosen vessel for the birth of the **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Matthew 1:16]]. Her submission to the angel's message, "Behold the **handmaid** `{{G1399}}` of the Lord" [[Luke 1:38]], demonstrates a model of faith and obedience.
* **Witness to the Resurrection:** **Mary** **Magdalene** and other women were the first to arrive at the empty sepulchre [[Matthew 28:1]] and the first to receive the news of the resurrection. Jesus appeared first to **Mary** **Magdalene** [[Mark 16:9]], making her the primary witness and messenger of the risen Lord to the disciples [[John 20:18]].
* **Models of Devotion and Service:** **Mary** of Bethany exemplifies devotion by choosing to sit at Jesus' feet and hear his word, a choice identified as the "good part" [[Luke 10:42]]. Her act of anointing Jesus with costly **ointment** `{{G3464}}` is an act of profound worship [[John 12:3]]. In Rome, another **Mary** is commended for having "bestowed much **labour** `{{G2872}}` on us" [[Romans 16:6]], highlighting a life of dedicated service.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3137}}` is not a generic label but the name of several distinct and vital women in scripture. From **Mary** the mother of Jesus, who was chosen for the incarnation [[Luke 1:27]], to **Mary** **Magdalene**, the first witness of the resurrection [[John 20:16]], these figures are integral to the biblical narrative. The name **Mary** is consistently associated with faith, devotion, service, and presence at the most critical moments of salvation history, illustrating the significant roles women played in God's plan.
TRV