Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 18

When discussing the verse 'Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off,' we are looking at a geographical reference in the Bible. Bethany was a village located near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs (approximately 1.8 miles) away. This verse is important in providing context for the events that take place in the following passages of the Bible. Bethany is significant in the Bible as it is the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating his power over death and foreshadowing his own resurrection. The proximity of Bethany to Jerusalem also plays a role in the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, as it is mentioned in connection with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Understanding the distance between Bethany and Jerusalem helps to paint a clearer picture of the setting in which these important events took place in the New Testament.

One theological interpretation of the verse 'Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:' highlights the significance of the location of Bethany in relation to Jerusalem. Bethany, being only fifteen furlongs away from Jerusalem, plays a crucial role in the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The proximity of Bethany to Jerusalem emphasizes the close relationship between Jesus and his disciples, particularly with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This verse also underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's arrival in Jerusalem, as Bethany served as a crucial stop before Jesus' triumphal entry into the city. The word 'Bethany' itself is derived from Hebrew and Aramaic roots, meaning 'house of affliction' or 'house of dates,' reflecting both the sorrow and sweetness that characterized Jesus' interactions in this town.