The sister of Lazarus and Mary. Her name is derived from Marar, bitter. We have her history, Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-50. This woman is rendered memorable in the church by reason of her pursuits, being so much engaged in earthly concerns while having conviction on her mind of the importance of heavenly objects. So that her name is become somewhat proverbial; and we call them the Marthas of the present day, who are careful and troubled about many things, and not so much in earnest for the one thing needful.