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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering deeper meanings in Scripture and exploring the cultural context of the New Testament. The name Μαρία (María) is one of the most well-known and frequently mentioned names in the Bible. It refers to several women in the New Testament, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Bethany. The significance of this name extends beyond its common usage; each “Mary” represents a distinct role and aspect of the faith, from devoted motherhood to faithful discipleship. The name’s widespread presence in the New Testament highlights the importance of these women in early Christian narratives and theology.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Μαρία (María) [mah-REE-ah]. The pronunciation follows a similar pattern to the English “Maria,” with emphasis on the second syllable.

Etymology: Μαρία is the Greek form of the Hebrew name מִרְיָם (Miryam). The exact meaning of Miryam is uncertain, but it is often translated as “bitterness” or “rebellion.” In other interpretations, it is suggested to mean “beloved” or “wished-for child.” The Hebrew origin of the name connects it to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, indicating a strong heritage of faith and leadership in the Jewish tradition.

Part of Speech: Proper noun (feminine). It is used exclusively to denote a person’s name and does not follow the declension patterns typical of common nouns in Greek.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: The most prominent use of Μαρία refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her role as theotokos, or “God-bearer,” is central to Christian theology and emphasizes themes of obedience, faith, and divine grace.
2. Mary Magdalene: Another significant Mary, often identified as a close follower of Jesus who witnessed His crucifixion and was the first to see Him after His resurrection. Her story reflects themes of redemption and transformation.
3. Mary of Bethany: The sister of Martha and Lazarus, known for her devotion and love for Jesus, exemplified in her anointing of His feet with expensive perfume. She symbolizes contemplative devotion and personal relationship with Christ.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Μαρίαμ (Mariam) [mah-REE-ahm]: This variation is used interchangeably with Μαρία in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke. It retains the same meanings and is primarily a stylistic choice.
2. Μάρθα (Mártha) [MAR-thah]: The sister of Mary of Bethany, representing a contrasting yet complementary aspect of faith—service and hospitality.
3. Μιχαήλ (Mikhaḗl) [mee-kah-EL]: Although not directly related in meaning, this name, like Mary, has Hebrew origins and signifies a connection to Jewish traditions and figures in biblical history.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

The name Μαρία does not decline like regular Greek nouns because it is a proper noun of Semitic origin. However, it still changes slightly depending on its grammatical case in the text:

This table outlines how the name appears in various grammatical contexts, but its core form remains recognizable.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the lexicons, Μαρία is consistently highlighted as a significant name in the New Testament, associated with pivotal figures in the life of Jesus. BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize the historical and theological importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as the unique contributions of other women named Mary. LSJ and Vine’s provide insights into the etymological origins, connecting it to its Hebrew root. Strong’s concordance highlights the different appearances of the name across the Gospels, while LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide context on its usage in contemporary Greek literature and Septuagint translations. Overall, the lexicons agree on the name’s cultural and theological resonance in both Jewish and early Christian traditions.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 1:16: “And Jacob fathered Joseph, the husband of Mary [Μαρία], by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Christ.”
2. Luke 1:27: “…to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary [Μαρία].”
3. John 20:18: “Mary Magdalene [Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή] came and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and that He had said these things to her.”
4. Luke 10:39: “She had a sister called Mary [Μαρία], who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

The name Μαρία is not commonly found in classical Greek literature, as it is a transliteration of a Hebrew name. However, its frequent use in the Septuagint, especially in relation to Miriam, the sister of Moses, connects it to the broader biblical tradition.

Noteworthy Summary

The name Μαρία (María) is foundational to New Testament narratives, representing key figures such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. Each bears a distinct role, symbolizing faith, devotion, and transformation. Understanding the use and significance of this name deepens our appreciation of the personal and communal dynamics in the early Christian community.

Did You Know?

• Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the most frequently mentioned woman in the New Testament.
• The name Μαρία appears over 50 times in the New Testament, referring to different women.
• Some early Christian traditions hold that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was dedicated to God as a child, similar to Samuel in the Old Testament.