Mary, "three women"
Are Mary of Bethany, the woman of Luk 7, and Mary Magdalene
all the same woman. According to HAW, this is a possibility -- although not a
provable certainty:
- Mary of Bethany = woman of Luk 7: Mary's anointing, a perpetual memorial
(Mat 26:13). Joh 11:2 seems to look back to an earlier incident: if not Luk 7,
then what? Simon the (healed?) leper (Mar 14:3) = Simon the Pharisee of Luk 7.
In Mat 26, Mary is deliberately repeating her earlier action. In Luk 7: how did
Simon know what kind of woman this was (v 39)? How did she know to make good his
omissions of courtesy (vv 44-46)? How did she get into the house at all? Also,
see v 37: sig of "brought" (= "received").
- Mary of Bethany = Mary Magdalene:
Mary of Bethany, not mentioned re the crucifixion and resurrection, whereas Mary
Magdalene is suddenly (for first time) extremely prominent. These 2 women are
always mentioned at feet of Jesus: Luk 10:39-42; Joh 11:32; 12:3; 19:25; 20:17;
Mat 28:9; Luk 7:38. Coincidences?
- Mary Magdalene = the woman of Luk 7: The
only mention of Mary Magdalene before crucifixion comes in Luk 8:2, immediately
after Luk 7:36-50. "Magdalene" possibly signifies "hair-braider", ie harlot;
also ref Luk 7:38. See Luk 8:2,3n.
(From WGos 247).
