Bethany (bĕth'a-ny), house of dates, or, of misery. A village on the eastern slope of Mount Olivet, about one and a half to two miles ("15 furlongs") east of Jerusalem, John 11:18, toward Jericho; the home of Mary and Martha, whither Jesus often went. Matthew 21:17; Mark 11:11-12. It was the home of Simon, Mark 14:3, the place where Lazarus was raised from the dead. John 11:18-44; and near it Jesus ascended to heaven, Luke 24:50; named in the Gospels eleven times only. See Beth-abara.