The name Mary, derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, is often interpreted to mean “bitterness” or “rebellion.” In the Bible, Mary is most notably recognized as the mother of Jesus Christ, symbolizing purity and obedience to God’s will.
Scripture
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Meaning of Mary in the Bible
The name Mary, as derived from Miriam, carries with it a complex set of meanings and associations within the biblical narrative. While its Hebrew roots suggest interpretations such as “bitterness” or “rebellion,” the figure of Mary in the New Testament transcends these negative connotations by embodying profound faithfulness and submission to God’s plan. In Luke 1:38, after the angel Gabriel announces that she will conceive the Son of God, Mary responds with a powerful declaration of faith: “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” This response highlights her role as a model of obedience and trust, showing how her character transforms the potential negativity of her name into a beacon of hope and acceptance of divine purpose.
Moreover, Mary’s role extends beyond her motherhood of Jesus to also symbolize the larger theme of redemption and grace in Christianity. As she journeys through the joys and sorrows of Jesus’ life, particularly witnessing His crucifixion, her experiences reflect the human condition’s complexities, including suffering and joy. In John 19:26-27, Jesus entrusts her to the care of the beloved disciple, highlighting her integral role in the community of believers. Thus, Mary serves as an embodiment of faith, resilience, and divine grace, making her name a powerful reminder that, despite its origins, it represents the transformative potential of faith in the biblical narrative.
In the broader biblical context, the name Mary resonates with themes of devotion and empowerment, especially as it relates to various prominent figures bearing the name. For instance, Mary Magdalene, another significant Mary in the New Testament, is often recognized for her unwavering support of Jesus’ ministry and her pivotal role in the resurrection narrative. Her name, linked to Magdala, underscores her identity as a devoted follower transformed by Christ’s grace. This transformation illustrates that the name Mary encompasses not only maternal attributes but also the capacity for redemption, influence, and testimony in one’s faith journey.
Additionally, the mention of other Marys in the Gospels reinforces the multiplicity of experiences associated with the name. Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha, is portrayed as one who seeks spiritual intimacy through her actions—particularly her choice to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening and studying His teachings. This portrayal highlights a different facet of the name Mary, emphasizing contemplative devotion amid the busyness of life. Collectively, through these diverse characters, the name Mary transcends its original meanings to become emblematic of varied experiences of faith, service, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, further enriching the biblical narrative surrounding this beloved name.
The Symbol of Purity and Virtue
The name Mary is often associated with purity and virtue, reflecting the qualities of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. In biblical tradition, Mary embodies the ideals of faithfulness, humility, and obedience to God’s will. Her life serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and spiritual devotion.
The Role of the Feminine in Salvation History
Mary’s significance extends beyond her individual character; she represents the feminine aspect of salvation history. As the mother of Christ, she plays a crucial role in the Incarnation, highlighting the importance of women in God’s plan. Her acceptance of divine purpose illustrates the vital contributions of women in the biblical narrative and their integral role in the unfolding of salvation.
A Name of Hope and Intercession
The name Mary also carries connotations of hope and intercession. Throughout Christian tradition, Mary is seen as a compassionate figure who intercedes on behalf of humanity. Her name evokes a sense of comfort and reassurance, symbolizing the hope that believers have in God’s mercy and grace. This aspect of her identity encourages the faithful to seek her intercession in their prayers and struggles.
How to Embrace Love and Overcome Bitterness in Faith
Embracing love and overcoming bitterness in our faith journey is a transformative process that begins with intentionality and prayer. It’s essential to recognize that bitterness can creep in when we feel wronged or hurt, but as Christians, we are called to reflect Christ’s love, which means letting go of grudges and choosing forgiveness. Start by examining your heart and identifying any lingering resentment; then, bring those feelings to God in prayer, asking for His help to heal and soften your heart. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages love and grace, and engage in acts of kindness, even towards those who have hurt you. Remember, love is not just a feeling but a choice we make daily, and as we practice love—through compassion, understanding, and forgiveness—we gradually release the chains of bitterness, allowing God’s light to shine through us. In doing so, we not only grow closer to God but also become vessels of His love in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to the Name Mary:
Matthew 1:18-25: 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
John 19:25-27: 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”
27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Luke 2:1-20: 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Matthew 2:11-15: 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.
15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Luke 2:41-52: 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.
43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,
44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45 And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”
49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
John 2:1-12: 1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.
3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.
9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”
11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.
Mark 15:40-41: 40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.
John 20:1-18: 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,
7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.
12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.
13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”
14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
Acts 1:12-14: 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.
14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.