Original Word: Μάρθα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Martha
Pronunciation: MAR-tha
Phonetic Spelling: (mar'-thah)
Definition: Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany.
Meaning: Martha is a proper noun used as a feminine personal name. It signifies a woman of authority or a lady of the house.

Word Origin: Of Aramaic origin, corresponding to the Hebrew מַרְתָּא (Marta), meaning "lady" or "mistress."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The name Martha corresponds to the Hebrew מַרְתָּא (Marta), which does not have a direct Strong's Hebrew entry but is related to the concept of a "lady" or "mistress" in the Semitic linguistic tradition.

Usage: The name Martha appears in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels, where she is depicted as a close follower of Jesus and the sister of Mary and Lazarus.

Context: Martha is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for her role in the household of Bethany, where she lived with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus. She is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha is described as welcoming Jesus into her home. She is portrayed as being concerned with the duties of hospitality, to the point of being "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made" (Luke 10:40, BSB). This passage highlights a contrast between Martha's active service and her sister Mary's contemplative devotion, as Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus gently admonishes Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42, BSB).

In the Gospel of John, Martha's faith is further illustrated in the account of the raising of Lazarus. When Jesus arrives in Bethany after Lazarus has died, Martha goes out to meet Him and expresses her faith in His power, saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him" (John 11:21-22, BSB). Jesus responds with the profound declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25, BSB). Martha's interaction with Jesus in this narrative underscores her belief in His messianic identity and His authority over life and death.

Martha's character is often interpreted as representing the active life of service and duty, complementing her sister Mary's contemplative devotion. Together, they provide a balanced model of discipleship, emphasizing both action and contemplation in the Christian life.

Word Origin
of Aramaic origin
Definition
Martha, a Christian woman
NASB Translation
Martha (13).

STRONGS NT 3136: Μάρθα

Μάρθα, Μάρθας (John 11:1 (cf. Buttmann, 17 (15); WH's Appendix, p. 156)), ἡ (Chaldean מָרְתָא mistress, Latindomina), Martha, the sister of Lazarus of Bethany: Luke 10:38, 40; John 11:1, 5, 19-39; John 12:2. (On the accent cf. Kautzsch, p. 8.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Martha.

Probably of Chaldee origin (meaning mistress); Martha, a Christian woman -- Martha.

Forms and Transliterations

Μαρθα Μάρθα Μαρθαν Μάρθαν Μαρθας Μάρθας Martha Mártha Marthan Márthan Marthas Márthas

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts