BETHANY . A village about 15 stadia (2910 yards or about 1⅝ mile) from Jerusalem ( John 11:18 ) on the road from Jericho, close to Bethphage and on the Mount of Olives ( Mark 11:1 , Luke 19:29 ). It was the lodging-place of Christ when in Jerusalem ( Mark 11:11 ). Here lived Lazarus and Martha and Mary ( John 11:1 ), and here He raised Lazarus from the dead ( John 11:1-57 ). Here also He was entertained by Simon the leper, at the feast where the woman made her offering of ointment ( Matthew 26:6 , Mark 14:3 ). From ‘over against’ Bethany took place the Ascension ( Luke 24:50 ). In this case the topographical indications agree exceptionally with the constant tradition which fixes Bethany at the village of el-‘Azariyeh , on the S.E. of the Mount of Olives beside the Jericho road. The tomb of Lazarus and the house of Martha and Mary are definitely pointed out in the village, but of course without any historical authority. For a possible Bethany in Galilee, see Bethabara.

R. A. S. Macalister.