Engraving-style illustration of Mary Magdalene: Mary Magdalene carrying a jar of ointment.

Bible Characters · Gospels

Mary Magdalene

The woman delivered from seven demons, who followed Jesus from Galilee and supported his ministry, watched at the cross and the burial, and was the first to see him risen and to carry the news.

Gospels14 references in 4 booksIn theological review

The facts, as Scripture gives them

Lived
Dates not given in Scripture.
Region
Galilee, following Jesus; at Jerusalem for the crucifixion and the tomb. (Luke 8:1-2; Matthew 27:55-61)

Key verses

as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,

Luke 8:2 (BSB)

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.

John 20:18 (BSB)

What they did

  • Was healed of evil spirits and infirmities, seven demons having gone out of her, and travelled with Jesus and the Twelve, supporting them. (Luke 8:1-3)
  • Stood at the cross with the other women, watching from a distance. (Matthew 27:55-56)
  • Sat opposite the tomb and saw where Jesus was laid. (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47)
  • Came to the tomb early on the first day of the week with spices, and found the stone taken away. (Mark 16:1-4; John 20:1)
  • Wept at the tomb, saw the risen Jesus, and was sent to the disciples: I have seen the Lord. (John 20:11-18)

Connected to

  • Jesus: Her Lord, who delivered her and appeared first to her (Luke 8:2; John 20:16-18)
  • Joanna: Her fellow supporter of the ministry, wife of Herod's steward Chuza (Luke 8:3)
  • Mary, mother of James: Her companion at the cross and the tomb (Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1)

Mentioned in

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

Every reference (14)

Matthew 27:56 · Matthew 27:61 · Matthew 28:1 · Mark 15:40 · Mark 15:47 · Mark 16:1 · Mark 16:9 · Luke 8:2 · Luke 24:10 · John 19:25 · John 20:1 · John 20:11 · John 20:16 · John 20:18

Review status: in-theological-review. Every Contend profile passes a human theological review against the Statement of Faith before it is published as approved teaching. This profile is in that queue. Sources: Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain), verified verse by verse. Name and reference data: STEP Bible (TIPNR), Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0.