Mary, “three women”

Are Mary of Bethany, the woman of Luk 7, and Mary Magdalene all the same woman. According to HAW, this is a possibility — although not a provable certainty:

• Mary of Bethany = woman of Luk 7: Mary’s anointing, a perpetual memorial (Mat 26:13). Joh 11:2 seems to look back to an earlier incident: if not Luk 7, then what? Simon the (healed?) leper (Mar 14:3) = Simon the Pharisee of Luk 7. In Mat 26, Mary is deliberately repeating her earlier action. In Luk 7: how did Simon know what kind of woman this was (v 39)? How did she know to make good his omissions of courtesy (vv 44-46)? How did she get into the house at all? Also, see v 37: sig of “brought” (= “received”).
• Mary of Bethany = Mary Magdalene: Mary of Bethany, not mentioned re the crucifixion and resurrection, whereas Mary Magdalene is suddenly (for first time) extremely prominent. These 2 women are always mentioned at feet of Jesus: Luk 10:39-42; Joh 11:32; 12:3; 19:25; 20:17; Mat 28:9; Luk 7:38. Coincidences?
• Mary Magdalene = the woman of Luk 7: The only mention of Mary Magdalene before crucifixion comes in Luk 8:2, immediately after Luk 7:36-50. “Magdalene” possibly signifies “hair-braider”, ie harlot; also ref Luk 7:38. See Luk 8:2,3n.

(From WGos 247).