What is the name of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume?

In the Gospels, we find a deeply moving account of a woman who anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. This act of devotion has captivated readers for centuries, but it also raises an intriguing question: What is the name of this woman? The answer is not as straightforward as one might expect, and delving into this question opens up a fascinating exploration of biblical interpretation and the nature of the Gospels themselves.

The Gospel Accounts

To understand this story and the identity of the woman involved, we need to look at how it's presented in each of the four Gospels:

1. Matthew 26:6-13: A woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive ointment at the house of Simon the Leper in Bethany.
2. Mark 14:3-9: Very similar to Matthew's account, a woman anoints Jesus' head in Bethany at Simon the Leper's house.
3. Luke 7:36-50: A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with ointment at the house of Simon the Pharisee.
4. John 12:1-8: Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume.

The Identity Question

As we can see, only John's Gospel explicitly names the woman - Mary of Bethany. However, the variations in these accounts have led to different interpretations about the woman's identity:

1. Mary of Bethany: Clearly identified in John's Gospel, some interpret all these accounts as referring to her.
2. Mary Magdalene: Although not mentioned in these specific anointing accounts, she has been traditionally associated with this act in Western Christian tradition.
3. An unnamed sinful woman: Luke's account refers to her simply as a woman who lived a sinful life.
4. Multiple women: Some scholars argue these accounts refer to separate incidents involving different women.

The Case for Mary of Bethany

There are several reasons why many identify the woman as Mary of Bethany:

1. Explicit naming: John's Gospel clearly identifies her.
2. Consistency: The accounts in Matthew, Mark, and John all place the event in Bethany.
3. Character alignment: Mary of Bethany is portrayed elsewhere as deeply devoted to Jesus (Luke 10:39).

The Mary Magdalene Tradition

Despite not being named in these accounts, Mary Magdalene has often been associated with this story, particularly in Western Christian tradition:

1. Conflation: Early church tradition often conflated Mary Magdalene with the "sinful woman" in Luke's account.
2. Artistic depictions: Many artworks depict Mary Magdalene as the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume.
3. Pope Gregory I: In 591 CE, he gave a sermon identifying Mary Magdalene as the sinful woman, which greatly influenced Western tradition.

The Unnamed Sinful Woman

Luke's account presents some unique elements:

1. Different setting: It occurs in the house of Simon the Pharisee, not Simon the Leper.
2. Focus on forgiveness: The story emphasizes the forgiveness of sins, which is not prominent in the other accounts.
3. Lack of naming: Luke often names women in his Gospel, so the lack of a name here is noteworthy.

Multiple Anointings?

Some scholars argue that these accounts represent different events:

1. Differing details: The variations in location, timing, and other details could suggest separate incidents.
2. Common practice: Anointing was not uncommon in that culture, so multiple such events could have occurred.
3. Different emphases: Each account seems to focus on different theological points, possibly indicating separate events used to illustrate different teachings.

The Significance of the Act

Regardless of the woman's identity, the act itself is deeply significant:

1. Sacrificial giving: The perfume was extremely valuable, possibly representing the woman's life savings.
2. Cultural taboos: A woman letting down her hair in public was considered scandalous in that culture.
3. Prophetic act: Jesus interprets it as preparation for his burial.
4. Example of devotion: Jesus praises the act as one of deep love and faith.

Lessons from the Story

This account offers several powerful lessons:

1. The value of sacrificial love: The woman's extravagant act demonstrates the depth of her love for Jesus.
2. Forgiveness and gratitude: Especially in Luke's account, we see how forgiveness inspires profound gratitude.
3. Judgement vs. compassion: Jesus' response challenges the judgmental attitudes of others present.
4. The importance of context: The variations in the Gospel accounts remind us of the importance of understanding the context and purpose of each Gospel.

Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context enhances our appreciation of this story:

1. Anointing practices: Anointing was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with hospitality or preparation for burial.
2. Women's status: The reaction to the woman's act reflects the often marginalized status of women in that society.
3. Purity laws: The concern over a "sinful woman" touching Jesus relates to Jewish purity laws of the time.

Artistic and Literary Impact

This story has had a profound impact on art and literature:

1. Visual arts: The scene has been depicted by numerous artists throughout history, including Giotto, Titian, and Rubens.
2. Literature: It has inspired poetry, novels, and religious commentaries.
3. Music: The story has been the subject of various musical compositions and hymns.

Theological Implications

The account carries significant theological weight:

1. Christology: Jesus' acceptance of the anointing and his interpretation of it speak to his understanding of his mission.
2. Soteriology: The emphasis on forgiveness, particularly in Luke's account, relates to Christian understandings of salvation.
3. Ecclesiology: The woman's act has been seen as a model of devotion for the church.

Contemporary Relevance

This ancient story continues to resonate today:

1. Gender roles: The story challenges us to consider societal norms and prejudices regarding gender.
2. Extravagant worship: It raises questions about the nature of worship and devotion in our lives.
3. Forgiveness and judgment: The account invites us to reflect on our attitudes towards forgiveness and our tendency to judge others.

Conclusion

The question "What is the name of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume?" opens up a rich exploration of biblical interpretation, historical context, and spiritual significance. While we cannot definitively name the woman – she might be Mary of Bethany, or Mary Magdalene, or an unnamed sinful woman, or even multiple women in separate incidents – her act of devotion stands as a powerful testimony.

This story, in all its variations, continues to challenge and inspire readers today. It reminds us of the power of sacrificial love, the transformative nature of forgiveness, and the often unexpected ways in which devotion manifests itself. It challenges our tendencies to judge others and invites us to consider what extravagant love might look like in our own lives.

Moreover, the variations in the Gospel accounts serve as a reminder of the complex nature of the Gospels themselves. Rather than simple historical records, they are carefully crafted narratives, each with its own theological emphases and purposes.

Ultimately, perhaps the anonymity of the woman in some accounts serves a purpose. It allows each of us to place ourselves in the story, to imagine what it might mean for us to pour out our most precious resource in an act of devotion, to receive forgiveness, and to love extravagantly. In this way, this ancient story continues to live, challenge, and inspire, inviting each new generation of readers into its drama of love, forgiveness, and transformation.