Now it came to pass as they went,.... As Christ and his disciples went from Jerusalem, having been at the feast of tabernacles, Joh 7:2 or at the feast of dedication, Joh 10:22 to some other parts of Judea:that he entered into a certain village; called Bethany, which was about fifteen furlongs, or two miles from Jerusalem, Joh 11:1and a certain woman named Martha.
This is a common name with the Jews; hence we read of Samuel bar Martha , and of Abba bar Martha , and of Isaac bar Martha ; and of Martha, the daughter of Baithus , who is said to be a rich widow; and this Martha here, is thought by Grotins to be a widow also, with whom her brother Lazarus, and sister Mary lived: though sometimes, this name was given to men; so we read of Martha, the uncle of Rab, who had five brethren; and the same writer observes , that it is not known whether Martha is, a man or a woman, but this is determined here:received him into her house; in a very kind and courteous manner, she being mistress of it; and having known Christ before, or at least had heard much of him, and believed in him, as the true Messiah.
T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 13. 2. & 25. 2. & Pesachim, fol. 106. 2. Yoma, fol. 19. 2. Juchuin, fol. 76. 2. T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 121. 2. Juchasin, fol. 72. 2. T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 33. 2. Juchasin, fol. 91.
1. Misn. Yebamot, c. 6. sect. 4. T. Bob. Yoma, fol. 18. 1. Succa, fol. 52. 2. Cetubot, fol. 104. 1. Gittin, fol. 56. 1. Juchasin, fol. 57. 1. Juchasin, fol. 99. 1. lb. fol. 105.