Disciple · Women of the Bible · New Testament
The Story of Mary Magdalene
Mary of Magdala. Not Mary the mother of Jesus or Mary of Bethany. Scripture does not identify her with the sinful woman of Luke 7; that is a later tradition.
Also: Mary of Magdala, Mariamu Magdalene (Kiswahili)
Follower of Jesus from whom seven demons had gone out, witness of his crucifixion and burial, and the first to see him risen in John's Gospel.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, travelled with Jesus and the twelve and provided for them from her means. Luke 8:1–3
She watched the crucifixion and saw where Jesus was laid. On the first day of the week she found the tomb empty; John records that the risen Jesus spoke to her first and sent her to tell the disciples. Mark 15:40Mark 15:47John 20:1–2John 20:11–18
Life at a glance
- From
- Magdala (her name, Magdalene) Luke 8:2
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Mary Magdalene
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Travelling with Jesus
Mary Magdalene, healed by Jesus, travels with him and supports his ministry with other women.
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People: Jesus
At the cross
She stands near the cross with other women.
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Parallel account: Matthew 27:55–56 · John 19:25
People: Jesus, Mary, mother of Jesus
Sees where he is laid
Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses see where Jesus' body is placed.
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Parallel account: Matthew 27:61 · Luke 23:55–56
The empty tomb
She comes with other women to the tomb and finds it empty; an angel says he has risen.
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Parallel account: Matthew 28:1–10 · Luke 24:1–10 · John 20:1–2
People: Simon Peter, John the apostle
Meets the risen Jesus
Weeping at the tomb, she sees Jesus but thinks he is the gardener until he says her name. He sends her to the disciples, and she tells them, I have seen the Lord.
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People: Jesus
Family and relationships
- JesusFollowerLuke 8:1–2
Books associated with Mary Magdalene
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
WitnessResurrection
- What does Mary say to the disciples in John 20:18?
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