Μαρία (Maria)
Maria
Mary
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 46 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek name Maria is a Hellenized form of the Hebrew Miriam, appearing frequently in the New Testament to identify several distinct women. The sources list six individuals bearing this name, ranging from the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene to the sister of Martha and Lazarus, as well as Mary the mother of John Mark and a Christian woman greeted by Paul in Rome (Romans 16:6).
Its usage highlights how common the name was among first-century Jewish women. The New Testament records it in contexts ranging from the infancy narratives in Luke to the crucifixion accounts in John, where multiple Marys are present at the cross and tomb. This repetition underscores that Mary was not merely a title for one figure, but a standard personal name within the early Christian community.
The form Maria reflects the Greek adaptation of the Semitic original, while the sources note occasional variations with Mariam. Its prevalence in texts like Matthew, Luke, and John demonstrates its ordinary status among believers, even as specific individuals like the mother of Jesus or Mary Magdalene became central to the gospel narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Maria appears frequently in the New Testament, identifying several distinct women who played vital roles in the gospel story. While we often think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, the text also highlights Mary Magdalene, the sister of Lazarus, and others who remained faithful through difficult times. This repetition shows that Mary was a common name among first-century Jewish women, yet each individual left a unique mark on the narrative of salvation.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Whether it is the young woman in Nazareth who trusted God’s promise or the followers who stood by the cross when others fled, these women demonstrate courage and devotion. Their stories invite you to see how God works through everyday lives, calling individuals to respond with faith and obedience.
When you encounter this name in Scripture, consider the specific context of that woman. Each Mary offers a different example of trust, service, or witness. This variety encourages believers to find their own place in God’s story, knowing that He values faithful hearts regardless of background or status.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 46 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mary40×
- of Mary5×
- Mary.2×
- Mary,2×
- to Mary1×
- [was] Mary.1×
- Mary?1×
- Mary;1×
- Mary:1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μαριὰμ20×
- Μαρία17×
- Μαρίας7×
- Μαριάμ·2×
- Μαριάμ.2×
- Μαριάμ,2×
- Μαρίᾳ1×
- Μαρίαν,1×
- Μαρίαν1×
- Μαριάμ.¶1×
Key Verses
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Luke 1:30
The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
This verse captures the angel's direct address to Mary, highlighting her personal relationship with God through the phrase 'found favor with God'.
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Luke 1:38
Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Mary’s response here defines her character as a servant of the Lord, showing total submission to God's will despite the unknown future.
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Matthew 27:56
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
This occurrence lists multiple women named Mary at the crucifixion, illustrating their steadfast presence when other disciples had fled.
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Mark 16:9
Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
The text identifies Mary Magdalene as the first witness to the resurrection, emphasizing her pivotal role in the early Christian proclamation.
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Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
This verse describes Mary keeping Jesus' words in her heart, showing a model of contemplative faith and internal reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Maria mean?
How many different Marys are in the Bible?
Is Maria the same as Miriam?
Why is Mary mentioned so often in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (46 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 8 verses
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:20But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 2:11They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening…
Matthew 13:55Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 27:56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Matthew 27:61Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
Matthew 28:1Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see…