Bethany in the Bible — Hidden Meaning & Symbolism

Bethany (A. V., John1:28, Bethabara), beth'-a-ny (Gk. from Heb.)-- house of figs (derived from the moaning, sighing, wailing sound of the foliage, and from the"tears," drops of gum, that exude from the fruit); house of afflictions; house of distress; house of depression. Bethany, or Bethabara, the place where John baptized, means place of crossings; place where crossings are made; place of fords. a A town near Jerusalem, the home of Lazarus and his sisters, often visited by Jesus (John 11:1; Mark 11:1). b A place beyond Jordan where John the Baptist baptized (John 1:28). Meta. Bethany means wailing, lamentation, affliction; and signifies the demonstration over these conditions. Whenever we make a mental demonstration we get a certain result in mind and body. In Bethany Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and thus overcame the sorrow, lamentation, and affliction of Mary and Martha.