The verse highlights Jesus coming to Bethany precisely "six days before the Passover," not just as a timing detail, but to set the stage for an act of profound devotion that would serve as His memorial. This timing emphasizes that Mary's anointing wasn't merely a spontaneous act of love, but a divinely appointed, pre-ordained preparation for His burial and resurrection.
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks Jesus' arrival in Bethany just days before Passover, returning to the home of Lazarus, whom He had miraculously raised from the dead. This event sets the stage for a significant dinner hosted in Jesus' honor, where Mary anoints His feet with expensive perfume, sparking both devotion and controversy. The context highlights the growing tension between Jesus' growing influence, evidenced by Lazarus's revival, and the increasing hostility from religious leaders, who now also see Lazarus as a threat.
Why is the exact timing of Jesus' arrival in Bethany so important? It's more than just a calendar entry; it sets the stage for His final week.
A Week of Significance
This verse places Jesus' arrival in Bethany exactly six days before the Passover. This isn't just a historical detail; it's crucial for understanding the unfolding events.
Lazarus is more than just a dinner guest; his presence is a powerful testament to Jesus' divine power. What does his life after death reveal?
The Miracle's Echo
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The verse highlights Lazarus, "whom Jesus had raised from the dead." This detail is incredibly significant for several reasons:
Understand the original words
pascha · Hebrew (via Greek) Noun
The annual Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, involving the sacrifice of a lamb. In the New Testament, it serves as a type for Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb whose blood provides salvation.
Iēsous · Greek Proper Noun
A title signifying the promised Messiah and Son of God, who is the incarnate Word, the savior of the world, and the mediator between God and humanity. He is the central figure of the New Testament, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.
egeirō · Greek Verb
To bring someone back to life after biological death. In a biblical context, it signifies God’s power over death and serves as a precursor or sign of the resurrection of the dead at the end of the age.
myron · Greek Noun
A costly, fragrant oil extracted from the spikenard plant, often used for burial preparation or as a sign of extreme honor and devotion toward a respected guest.
aleiphō · Greek Verb
The act of pouring oil upon someone as a sign of dedication, consecration for a specific task (such as kingship or priesthood), or, as in this context, preparing a body for burial.
This verse places Jesus' arrival in Bethany just days before the Passover, setting the stage for his final public actions and ultimate sacrifice. The raising of Lazarus is central, as it not only demonstrates Jesus' power over death but also directly fuels the escalating conflict with the religious authorities, leading to their plot against both Jesus and Lazarus.
c. AD 30, Friday evening— this verse
Jesus arrives in Bethany
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, where he had recently raised Lazarus from the dead. This marks the beginning of his final week.
c. AD 30, Saturday
Supper in Bethany, Mary anoints Jesus
Jesus attends a supper at Bethany, likely hosted by Simon the leper. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an act of devotion that sparks debate among the disciples and reveals growing hostility from religious leaders.
c. AD 30, Sunday
Triumphant entry into Jerusalem
Jesus begins his final journey to Jerusalem from Bethany, riding into the city to the acclaim of crowds, fulfilling prophecy and openly presenting himself as the promised Messiah.
c. AD 30, Monday-Wednesday
Teaching and confrontations in Jerusalem
During the final days before Passover, Jesus teaches in the Temple, engages in debates with religious leaders, and speaks about his impending death and the signs of the end times.
c. AD 30, Thursday evening
The Last Supper
Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper and offering final teachings and prayers before his arrest.
c. AD 30, Friday
Crucifixion and burial
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified on the day before the Passover feast, fulfilling the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. He is then buried.
c. AD 30, Sunday
Resurrection
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead, conquering death and validating his claims and mission.
This passage describes Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which immediately follows his arrival in Bethany, highlighting Bethany as the staging ground for this pivotal event.
Luke 10:38-42This familiar account of Mary and Martha shows Jesus' close relationship with their family, providing the backdrop for why Jesus would return to Bethany and why Mary's anointing would be so significant.
John 11:1-44This chapter details the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, the very event that makes Lazarus's presence at the supper in John 12:2 so impactful and draws attention to Jesus.
Exodus 12:3This Old Testament passage outlines the selection of the Passover lamb six days before the Passover, providing a thematic parallel to Jesus' arrival in Bethany six days before His own Passover sacrifice.
John 12:2-8These verses immediately following John 12:1 describe the supper where Mary anoints Jesus, directly illustrating the context and the profound devotion that draws attention to both Jesus and Lazarus.
barnesJohn 12:1: "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead."
Then Jesus came to Bethany - This was near to Jerusalem, and it was from this place that he made his triumphant entry into the city. See the notes at Matthew 21:1 .
vincentJohn 12:1: "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead."
Which had been dead(Omit.)He raisedFor He, read Jesus.
The verse highlights Jesus coming to Bethany precisely "six days before the Passover," not just as a timing detail, but to set the stage for an act of profound devotion that would serve as His memorial. This timing emphasizes that Mary's anointing wasn't merely a spontaneous act of love, but a divinely appointed, pre-ordained preparation for His burial and resurrection.
This passage marks Jesus' arrival in Bethany just days before Passover, returning to the home of Lazarus, whom He had miraculously raised from the dead. This event sets the stage for a significant dinner hosted in Jesus' honor, where Mary anoints His feet with expensive perfume, sparking both devotion and controversy. The context highlights the growing tension between Jesus' growing influence, evidenced by Lazarus's revival, and the increasing hostility from religious leaders, who now also see Lazarus as a threat.
This passage marks Jesus' arrival in Bethany just days before Passover, returning to the home of Lazarus, whom He had miraculously raised from the dead. This event sets the stage for a significant dinner hosted in Jesus' honor, where Mary anoints His feet with expensive perfume, sparking both devotion and controversy. The context highlights the growing tension between Jesus' growing influence, evidenced by Lazarus's revival, and the increasing hostility from religious leaders, who now also see Lazarus as a threat.
"Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary there…" — The verse highlights Jesus coming to Bethany precisely "six days before the Passover," not just as a timing detail, but to set the stage for an act of profound devotion that would serve as His memori…
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Last reviewed October 2026
