Location
Overview
Bethany lay on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, less than two miles from Jerusalem. It was a place of rest and friendship for Jesus, and the scene of one of his greatest miracles.
The home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
Bethany was the home of the sisters Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus loved (John 11:1–5). Here Martha served while Mary sat at the Lord's feet (Luke 10:38–42).
The raising of Lazarus
When Lazarus died, Jesus came to Bethany and, declaring "I am the resurrection, and the life," called him out of the tomb after four days (John 11:25, 43–44) — the sign that hardened his enemies' resolve against him.
The anointing and the Ascension
Six days before the Passover, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly ointment at Bethany (John 12:1–3). And it was out as far as Bethany that Jesus led his disciples before he was parted from them and carried up into heaven (Luke 24:50–51).
Events Here
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead at Bethany
Mary anoints Jesus with costly ointment
Jesus leads his disciples out to Bethany and ascends
Scripture References
11 versesMatthew2 verses
Matthew 21:17
And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
Matthew 26:6
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
Mark4 verses
Mark 11:1
And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
Mark 11:11
And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Mark 11:12
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
Mark 14:3
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. spikenard: or, pure nard, or, liquid nard
Luke2 verses
Luke 19:29
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
Luke 24:50
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
John3 verses
John 11:1
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
John 11:18
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: about: that is, about two miles
John 12:1
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
Archaeology & History
The village is identified with Al-Eizariya ("place of Lazarus") on the south-east of the Mount of Olives. A traditional Tomb of Lazarus has been venerated there since at least the 4th century, with successive churches built over the site.
People who appear here
Objects mentioned here
Frequently asked about Bethany
Where is Bethany today?
Today, Bethany corresponds to Al-Eizariya, West Bank.
What does the name Bethany mean?
The name Bethany means “House of dates / house of affliction”.
What happened at Bethany in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Bethany include jesus raises lazarus from the dead at bethany; mary anoints jesus with costly ointment; jesus leads his disciples out to bethany and ascends.
Where is Bethany first mentioned in the Bible?
Bethany is first mentioned in Matthew 21:17.
How often is Bethany mentioned in the Bible?
Bethany is mentioned in 11 verses across 4 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
Who lived in Bethany?
Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus, close friends of Jesus.
What miracle did Jesus perform at Bethany?
He raised Lazarus from the dead four days after his burial, declaring "I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11).