Lexical Summary Béthania: Bethany Original Word: Βηθανία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bethany. Of Chaldee origin; date-house; Beth-any, a place in Palestine -- Bethany. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic origin Definition "house of affliction" or "house of dates," Bethany, the name of two cities in Pal. NASB Translation Bethany (12). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 963: ΒηθανίαΒηθανία Βηθανίας, ἡ (עֲנִיָּה בֵּית house of depression or misery (cf. B. D. American edition)), Bethany; 1. a town or village beyond the Mount of Olives, fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem: John 11:1, 18; John 12:1; Matthew 21:17; Matthew 26:6; Luke 19:29 (here WH give the accusative Βηθανία (see their Appendix, p. 160), cf. Tr marginal reading); 2. a town or village on the east bank of the Jordan, where John baptized: John 1:28 L T Tr WH (see the preceding word). But Origen, although confessing that in his day nearly all the manuscripts read ἐν Βηθανία, declares that when he journeyed through those parts he did not find any place of that name, but that Bethabara was pointed out as the place where John had baptized; the statement is confirmed by Eusebius and Jerome also, who were well acquainted with the region. Hence, it is most probable that Bethany disappeared after the Apostles' time, and was restored under the name of Bethabara; cf. Lücke at the passage, p. 391ff (Cf. Prof. J. A. Paine in Phila. S. S. Times for Apr. 16, 1881, p. 243f.) Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Bethany was a small Judean village situated on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles (three kilometers) east of Jerusalem (John 11:18). The location placed it on the main route from Jericho to Jerusalem, making it a natural stopping point for pilgrims approaching the Holy City. Name and Possible Meanings Though the precise derivation is debated, traditional explanations include “house of figs” (reflecting abundant local fig trees) or “house of affliction” (hinting at ministry to the needy). Either nuance aligns with the scenes of hospitality and compassion that unfold there in the Gospels. Bethany in the Ministry of Jesus 1. A home base of love and rest. Jesus repeatedly chose Bethany as His lodging when ministering in Jerusalem (Matthew 21:17; Mark 11:11). The household of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary supplied a setting where He was “welcome” (Luke 10:38-42) and honored (John 12:1-8). Miracles and Signs • Resurrection Power: The command “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) demonstrated absolute authority over death, leading many Jews to believe (John 11:45) and setting the stage for the cross. Bethany and Compassionate Ministry The village hosted Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6) and welcomed the outcast. Bethany’s association with sickness, poverty, and hospitality underscores the Lord’s heart for those in need and validates diaconal service within the church. Bethany in Early Christian Memory By the first centuries, Bethany was revered by believers and pilgrims. Patristic writers linked it with the Ascension, and Byzantine churches marked the traditional tomb of Lazarus and the site of Mary’s anointing. These commemorations testify to an unbroken memory of the gospel narratives. Theological Significance • Revelation of Jesus as Resurrection and Life (John 11:25). Modern Identification and Archaeology The modern village of al-Eizariya (“place of Lazarus”) preserves both the name and location. Archaeological remains include Byzantine mosaics and Crusader-era structures over the supposed tomb of Lazarus, lending historical texture to the biblical record. Application for Believers Bethany challenges contemporary disciples to: Forms and Transliterations Βηθανια Βηθανία Βηθανίᾳ Βηθανιαν Βηθανίαν Βηθανιας Βηθανίας Bethania Bethanía Bēthania Bēthanía Bethaníāi Bēthaníāi Bethanian Bethanían Bēthanian Bēthanían Bethanias Bethanías Bēthanias BēthaníasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:17 N-AFSGRK: πόλεως εἰς Βηθανίαν καὶ ηὐλίσθη NAS: out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night KJV: the city into Bethany; and he lodged INT: city to Bethany and passed the night Matthew 26:6 N-DFS Mark 11:1 N-AFS Mark 11:11 N-AFS Mark 11:12 N-GFS Mark 14:3 N-DFS Luke 19:29 N-AFS Luke 24:50 N-AFS John 1:28 N-DFS John 11:1 N-GFS John 11:18 N-NFS John 12:1 N-AFS Strong's Greek 963 |