Who was Mary Magdalene?
Who was Mary Magdalene? Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from whom He cast out seven demons. She was present at His crucifixion and was the first person to see Him risen from the dead.
Key verse: John 20:16-17 (KJV)
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from whom He cast out seven demons. She was present at His crucifixion and was the first person to see Him risen from the dead.
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from whom He cast out seven demons. She was present at His crucifixion and was the first person to see Him risen from the dead.
"Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." — John 20:16-17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Mary Magdalene is one of the most significant women in the New Testament. Jesus delivered her from seven demons, and she became one of His most faithful followers. She was among the women who financially supported Jesus' ministry. Mary stood at the cross when most disciples had fled, and she was the first to discover the empty tomb on Easter morning. Jesus appeared to her first after His resurrection, commissioning her to tell the disciples — earning her the title 'Apostle to the Apostles' in church tradition. Despite popular culture conflating her with the sinful woman in Luke 7, the Bible makes no such connection.
Key Scripture References
"Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father."
"And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils."
"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?
The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers — James, Joses, Simon, and Judas — and unnamed sisters, though some traditions interpret 'brothers' as cousins or step-siblings.
Who Was Mary, the Mother of Jesus?
Mary was a young Jewish virgin chosen by God to bear the Messiah — a woman of extraordinary faith, humility, and obedience who said 'be it unto me according to thy word.'
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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