Topic(s):  Bible Study

Todd Clippard

Here are a few scriptures and thoughts for consideration in reference to the identification of the woman of Luke 7:36-50.

The last city mentioned in the narrative is Nain (7:11). The text under consideration uses the definite article in mentioning "the city" (v 37), probably indicating the city under consideration is Nain. Also of note is the fact that Simon knew the woman and her character (v 39). Nain was a considerable distance from Bethany (60 miles over difficult terrain). Geographically speaking, Mary of Bethany is not a logical choice.

Mary of Bethany is described as anointing Jesus in John 12. This was within 10 days of Jesus' death. The events of Luke 7:36-50 took place before the limited commission (Luke 9, Matthew 10). Chronologically speaking, Mary of Bethany is not a good choice to identify the woman of Luke 7:36-50.