Mary Magdalene
A follower of Jesus, healed by him, who was among the first witnesses of his resurrection.
At a glance
- Name
- Mary Magdalene
- Type
- Person
- Period
- New Testament
- Appears in
- The Gospels
- First appearance
- Luke 8
- Known for
- Witnessing the risen Jesus
Who is Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene is a woman from Magdala whom Jesus heals. She becomes one of his followers and, with other women, supports his ministry.
She is present at the crucifixion and at Jesus' burial. On the first day of the week she goes to the tomb and is among the first to find it empty and to see the risen Jesus.
Mary Magdalene in the Bible
Mary follows Jesus
Luke lists Mary Magdalene among the women who travel with Jesus and support his ministry, noting that he had healed her.
Read Luke 8 →Mary at the tomb
Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb, finds it empty, and is among the first to meet the risen Jesus.
Read John 20 →Not to be confused with
- Mary, mother of Jesus A different Mary; the mother of Jesus.
- Mary of Bethany The sister of Martha and Lazarus is a different Mary; the text does not identify her as Mary Magdalene.
- The sinful woman of Luke 7 An unnamed woman who anoints Jesus' feet. The text does not name her or identify her as Mary Magdalene; the common tradition that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute comes from conflating these figures and is not stated in Scripture.
Key passages featuring Mary Magdalene
These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.