Matthew 15:39
And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπολύσας
he sent away
G630
ἀπολύσας
he sent away
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
2 of 14
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 14
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐνέβη
and took
G1684
ἐνέβη
and took
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
5 of 14
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 14
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 #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 14
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 #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Magdala was a prosperous first-century fishing village (excavations reveal fish-processing facilities, synagogue, harbor, markets). Its prosperity contrasts with the wilderness just left, yet Jesus found spiritual poverty in prosperous places and faith in desolate regions. The return to Jewish territory led to confrontation with Pharisees and Sadducees (16:1-4), showing that proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee acceptance—the Decapolis Gentiles showed more faith than Magdala's religious elite.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's willingness to send away crowds challenge modern success-metrics focused on numbers?
- Why did Jesus find more receptivity among marginalized Gentiles than religious Jewish leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he sent away the multitude, and took ship (καὶ ἀπολύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἐνέβη εἰς τὸ πλοῖον)—The verb ἀπολύω (apolyō, 'to send away, to dismiss, to release') indicates orderly dismissal, not abandonment. Jesus controlled both gathering and dispersing—sovereign over crowd dynamics. He didn't cling to popularity but purposefully moved according to His Father's agenda. Taking ship (ἐμβαίνω εἰς τὸ πλοῖον) marks transition to His next ministry location.
And came into the coasts of Magdala (καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς τὰ ὅρια Μαγδαλά)—Magdala (Μαγδαλά, Hebrew Migdal meaning 'tower') was a fishing town on Galilee's western shore, home of Mary Magdalene (27:56, 61; 28:1). Mark 8:10 calls it 'Dalmanutha.' The movement from Gentile Decapolis back to Jewish territory shows Jesus's balanced ministry. He neither exclusively focused on Jews nor Gentiles but ministered to both, breaking down the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14).