The City of Bethany in the Time of Jesus

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha.

During the time of Jesus Bethany was on the outskirts of the city of Jerusalem and it was located about 2 miles past the eastern portion of the Mount of Olives. It was actually from the city of Bethany that Jesus made his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem in fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Bethany was the home of some of Jesus dearest friends, among them were Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead. The book of Luke records that after Jesus rose from the dead he led his disciples as far as Bethany, and then he ascended into heaven.

THE BETHANY of the New Testament is now called Aziriyeh, the name being derived from Lazarus. It is located on the eastern slope of Mount Olivet, about two miles south-east of Jerusalem, on the road to Jericho. It contains about twenty families, all of whom are wretchedly poor. It was no doubt a pleasanter place when Jerusalem was in its prosperity. It was a favorite resort of the Saviour, as it was the home of his friends, Lazarus (whom he raised from the dead) and Martha and Mary. It was the scene of Our Lord's great miracle, the raising of Lazarus ; and it was from a spot near the village that the Saviour ascended into Heaven. - Ancient Geography