Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene in the Bible
Mary Magdalene is a follower of Jesus who is especially prominent in the crucifixion, burial, empty-tomb, and resurrection narratives. Luke also identifies her as a woman from whom seven demons had gone out.
Mary Magdalene at a Glance
Key Bible Passages About Mary Magdalene
Luke 8:1–3
Mary travels with Jesus’ group and is identified as one from whom seven demons had gone out.
Mark 15:40–47
Mary witnesses the crucifixion and burial.
Matthew 28:1–10
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encounter the risen Jesus.
Luke 24:1–12
Mary is named among the women reporting the empty tomb.
John 20:1–18
Mary encounters the risen Jesus and reports to the disciples.
The Story of Mary Magdalene
Luke introduces Mary Magdalene among women who travel with Jesus and the Twelve and support the ministry from their resources. Luke says seven demons had gone out from her.
Mary becomes especially prominent at the end of the Gospel narratives. She is named among the women who witness Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and among those who go to the tomb after the Sabbath.
All four Gospels place Mary Magdalene in the resurrection accounts. John gives her an extended scene in which she encounters the risen Jesus and then announces to the disciples that she has seen the Lord.
The New Testament never identifies Mary Magdalene as a prostitute and does not identify her with the unnamed sinful woman of Luke 7. Those later associations should not be presented as biblical facts.
Where Does Mary Magdalene Appear in the Bible?
Matthew 27–28MAJOR APPEARANCE
Mary witnesses Jesus’ death and appears in the resurrection narrative.
Mark 15–16MAJOR APPEARANCE
Mary witnesses the crucifixion and burial and goes to the tomb.
Luke 8MAJOR APPEARANCE
Luke introduces Mary as a follower who supports the ministry.
Luke 23–24MAJOR APPEARANCE
Mary appears among the women at the burial and empty tomb.
John 19–20MAJOR APPEARANCE
Mary appears near the cross and receives an extended resurrection scene.
Historical & Cultural Context
Mary is identified by the geographic designation “Magdalene,” commonly connecting her with Magdala. She participates in Jesus’ itinerant ministry within first-century Galilee and Judea.
Literary Role
The four Gospels differ in the exact arrangement of resurrection appearances, but all give Mary Magdalene a prominent place. Her profile should avoid later traditions that are not stated in the New Testament.
Character & Significance
Mary Magdalene is one of the most important named female witnesses in the Gospels. Her presence across all four resurrection narratives makes her especially significant as a witness to Jesus’ death, burial, empty tomb, and resurrection.
Important People in Mary Magdalene’s Life
Jesus
Teacher and risen LordMary follows Jesus and encounters him after the resurrection.
Joanna
Fellow female followerLuke names Joanna with Mary among women associated with Jesus’ ministry and resurrection testimony.
The Life and Story of Mary Magdalene
Follows Jesus
Mary travels with and supports Jesus’ ministry.
Witnesses Crucifixion
Mary is named among women at Jesus’ death.
Witnesses Burial
Mary observes where Jesus is laid.
Visits Empty Tomb
Mary goes to the tomb after the Sabbath.
Encounters Risen Jesus
Mary recognizes Jesus and reports to the disciples.
Research Questions About Mary Magdalene
What do the Gospels explicitly say about Mary Magdalene before the crucifixion?
Start with Luke 8:1–3 and distinguish its statements from later traditions.
How do the four resurrection narratives portray Mary Magdalene?
Compare her consistent presence with the different details each Gospel emphasizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Magdalene
Who was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus and a prominent witness in the crucifixion and resurrection narratives.
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
The New Testament never says that she was a prostitute.
Did Mary Magdalene see the risen Jesus?
Yes. John 20 gives an extended account of Mary encountering the risen Jesus.
Other People Named Mary in the Bible
The Bible refers to more than one person named Mary. These profiles distinguish them by their relationships and role in the biblical story.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Mary Magdalene: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/people/mary-magdalene/. Accessed October 2, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Mary Magdalene: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed October 2, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/people/mary-magdalene/.
When citing Scripture itself, cite the Bible translation and passage separately according to your required style.
