### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Bēthanía**, represented by `{{G963}}`, refers to a specific place in Palestine known as **Bethany**. Its name is of Chaldee origin and means **"date-house"**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in the Gospels, marking it as a location of significant events in Jesus' ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Bethany is consistently portrayed as a town **nigh** `{{G1451}}` to **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}`, about **fifteen** `{{G1178}}` **furlongs** `{{G4712}}` away [[John 11:18]], and near the **mount** `{{G3735}}` of **Olives** `{{G1636}}` ([[Mark 11:1]]; [[Luke 19:29]]). It served as a place of lodging for **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and his **disciples** `{{G3101}}` ([[Matthew 21:17]]; [[Mark 11:11]]). The town is identified as the home of **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}`, **Mary** `{{G3137}}`, and **Martha** `{{G3136}}` [[John 11:1]]. Key events occurring in **Bethany** `{{G963}}` include Jesus being anointed in the house of **Simon** `{{G4613}}` the **leper** `{{G3015}}` ([[Matthew 26:6]]; [[Mark 14:3]]) and the raising of **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}` from the **dead** `{{G3498}}` [[John 12:1]]. It is also the location where Jesus **led** `{{G1806}}` his disciples **out** `{{G1854}}` to bless them [[Luke 24:50]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of this important location:
* `{{G2968}}` **kṓmē** (town, village): This term describes **Bethany** `{{G963}}` as the **town** of Mary and Martha, establishing its identity as a residential community rather than just a landmark [[John 11:1]].
* `{{G2976}}` **Lázaros** (Lazarus): The narrative of **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}` is inseparable from **Bethany** `{{G963}}`, as it is his hometown and the site where **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` **raised** `{{G1453}}` him from the **dead** `{{G3498}}` ([[John 11:1]]; [[John 12:1]]).
* `{{G2419}}` **Hierousalḗm** (Jerusalem): The proximity of **Bethany** `{{G963}}` to **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}` is repeatedly mentioned, highlighting its role as a nearby place of rest for Jesus and his followers away from the main **city** `{{G4172}}` ([[John 11:18]]; [[Mark 11:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The scriptural accounts of Bethany highlight its significant role in the life of Jesus:
* **A Place of Fellowship and Rest:** **Bethany** `{{G963}}` served as a sanctuary for **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and his disciples. He **lodged** `{{G835}}` there [[Matthew 21:17]] and found fellowship in the **house** `{{G3614}}` of friends like **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}`, **Mary** `{{G3137}}`, and **Martha** `{{G3136}}` [[John 11:1]].
* **Demonstration of Divine Power:** It is the setting for one of Jesus' most profound miracles: raising **Lazarus** `{{G2976}}` from the **dead** `{{G3498}}`. This event in **Bethany** `{{G963}}` showed his authority over death itself [[John 12:1]].
* **Site of Worship and Final Blessing:** In **Bethany** `{{G963}}`, a **woman** `{{G1135}}` anointed Jesus' **head** `{{G2776}}` with **very precious** `{{G4185}}` ointment, an act of profound worship [[Mark 14:3]]. It is also the location from which Jesus **led** `{{G1806}}` his disciples **out** `{{G1854}}` to give them a final blessing [[Luke 24:50]].
### Summary
In summary, **Bēthanía** `{{G963}}` is more than a geographical location; it is a key setting in the Gospels. Though a small **town** `{{G2968}}`, it was the backdrop for significant displays of Jesus' power, intimate moments of fellowship, profound acts of worship, and his final blessing upon his disciples. **Bethany** `{{G963}}` represents a place of refuge and divine revelation just **nigh** `{{G1451}}` to the central city of **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}`.
TRV