1. Miriam (Mary) the Prophetess
The historic root of the name in Scripture belongs to the sister of Moses and Aaron. While rendered “Miriam” in the Old Testament text, this is the original Hebrew form of Mary. She led the women of Israel in praise after the crossing of the Red Sea and stood as a prominent, though at times flawed, leader during the wilderness wanderings.
“And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” (Exodus 15:20)
2. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
The most prominent Mary in Scripture, chosen by God to bear the Messiah while still a virgin. She stood by her Son from the manger in Bethlehem to the agony of the Cross, and she is last seen praying among the early disciples in the upper room before Pentecost.
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” (Luke 1:30-31)
3. Mary Magdalene
Hailing from the town of Magdala, she was delivered by Christ from seven devils. She became one of His most fiercely devoted supporters, financing His ministry, standing at the foot of the Cross when the disciples fled, and earning the distinct honor of being the very first eye-witness to the Resurrection.
“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.” (Mark 16:9)
4. Mary of Bethany
The sister of Martha and Lazarus, known for her deeply contemplative and adoring faith. Scripture captures her in three unforgettable scenes: sitting at the feet of Jesus absorbing His word, weeping at His feet before He raised her brother from the dead, and anointing His feet with costly spikenard in preparation for His burial.
“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” (John 12:3)
5. Mary, the Mother of James and Joses (The Wife of Cleophas)
Often referred to in the Gospels as “the other Mary,” she was a constant companion to Mary Magdalene during the Crucifixion and Resurrection. John’s Gospel identifies her as the wife of Cleophas (Clopas). She was an unwavering witness who went to the sepulchre early on the third day to anoint the body of the Lord.
“Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.” (Matthew 27:56)
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25)
6. Mary, the Mother of John Mark
A woman of substance and influence in the early Jerusalem church. She used her personal home as a sanctuary and meeting place for the remnant believers. It was to her house that Peter fled immediately upon being miraculously broken out of prison by an angel. Her son, John Mark, authored the Gospel of Mark.
“And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” (Acts 12:12)
7. Mary of Rome
Though only mentioned in a single verse, this Mary was a dedicated worker in the early underground church at Rome. The Apostle Paul single out her industrious service and sent her personal greetings at the conclusion of his epistle.
“Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.” (Romans 16:6)