Mark 8:10
And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐμβὰς
he entered
G1684
ἐμβὰς
he entered
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
3 of 15
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἦλθεν
and came
G2064
ἦλθεν
and came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Dalmanutha's precise location remains debated—possibly modern Khirbet el-Minyeh or Ain el-Barideh near Magdala. The Sea of Galilee was roughly seven miles wide; boat crossings took 2-4 hours depending on wind. These frequent crossings exposed disciples to Jesus' sovereignty over nature (calming storms) and demonstrated His intentional border-crossing ministry. First-century Jews strictly avoided Gentile territory to maintain ritual purity; Jesus' repeated crossings challenged these boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' movement between Jewish and Gentile territories model the gospel's boundary-crossing nature?
- What 'territories' or people groups might Jesus be calling you to cross into with the gospel?
- How does Jesus' 'straightway' withdrawal after ministry demonstrate the rhythm of public service and private retreat?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Straightway he entered into a ship (εὐθὺς, euthys)—Mark's characteristic 'immediately' emphasizes rapid transition from public ministry to private instruction. Jesus withdraws from Gentile territory after the feeding, crossing back to Jewish regions. Came into the parts of Dalmanutha—location unknown, possibly near Magdala on Galilee's western shore (Matthew 15:39 mentions 'Magdala'). The geographic detail emphasizes historical precision.
This movement from Gentile Decapolis to Jewish territory sets up the following confrontation with Pharisees (v. 11). Jesus' ministry alternates between Jewish and Gentile regions, demonstrating that the kingdom transcends ethnic boundaries. The boat journey recalls Israel's crossing from wilderness to Promised Land—Jesus leads a new exodus not confined to ethnic Israel but encompassing all who believe.