John 11:2 - It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother, Lazarus, was sick.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "John 11:2" mean?
This verse from John 11:2 is a parenthetical remark, meant to identify which "Mary" is being spoken of in the context of the passage. Let's break it down:
"It was that Mary..." This indicates that the author anticipates the reader might not know which Mary he's referring to. There were several Marys in the New Testament.
"...who had anointed the Lord with ointment..." This refers to an event that John describes later (John 12:1-8). It involves Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume (nard) and wiping them with her hair. This act of devotion and humility foreshadows Jesus' burial and shows her deep reverence for him.
"...and wiped his feet with her hair..." This reinforces the detail of the anointing, highlighting the unusual and intimate nature of Mary's act. It emphasizes her profound respect and love for Jesus.
"...whose brother, Lazarus, was sick." This connects this Mary to her brother Lazarus, who is the central figure of the narrative in John 11. By mentioning Lazarus's sickness, the verse foreshadows the miracle that Jesus will perform by raising Lazarus from the dead.
In Summary:
The verse serves as an identification and a brief introduction. It tells us that the Mary being spoken about is the one who later anointed Jesus' feet, and she is the sister of the sick Lazarus. This reference creates anticipation for the reader, as they now know that this Mary has a special connection to Jesus, and her brother's illness is significant.
Why is this identification important?
Clarity: It distinguishes this Mary from other Marys mentioned in the Gospels.
Foreshadowing: It hints at the events to come, particularly the anointing and the raising of Lazarus.
Significance: It subtly establishes Mary's role as a devoted follower of Jesus, setting the stage for her later act of devotion.
John 11:2 - It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother, Lazarus, was sick.
What does "John 11:2" mean?
This verse from John 11:2 is a parenthetical remark, meant to identify which "Mary" is being spoken of in the context of the passage. Let's break it down:
"It was that Mary..." This indicates that the author anticipates the reader might not know which Mary he's referring to. There were several Marys in the New Testament.
"...who had anointed the Lord with ointment..." This refers to an event that John describes later (John 12:1-8). It involves Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume (nard) and wiping them with her hair. This act of devotion and humility foreshadows Jesus' burial and shows her deep reverence for him.
"...and wiped his feet with her hair..." This reinforces the detail of the anointing, highlighting the unusual and intimate nature of Mary's act. It emphasizes her profound respect and love for Jesus.
"...whose brother, Lazarus, was sick." This connects this Mary to her brother Lazarus, who is the central figure of the narrative in John 11. By mentioning Lazarus's sickness, the verse foreshadows the miracle that Jesus will perform by raising Lazarus from the dead.
In Summary:
The verse serves as an identification and a brief introduction. It tells us that the Mary being spoken about is the one who later anointed Jesus' feet, and she is the sister of the sick Lazarus. This reference creates anticipation for the reader, as they now know that this Mary has a special connection to Jesus, and her brother's illness is significant.
Why is this identification important?
Clarity: It distinguishes this Mary from other Marys mentioned in the Gospels.
Foreshadowing: It hints at the events to come, particularly the anointing and the raising of Lazarus.
Significance: It subtly establishes Mary's role as a devoted follower of Jesus, setting the stage for her later act of devotion.