Mark 8 10

Mark 8:10 kjv

And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

Mark 8:10 nkjv

immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Mark 8:10 niv

he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

Mark 8:10 esv

And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

Mark 8:10 nlt

Immediately after this, he got into a boat with his disciples and crossed over to the region of Dalmanutha.

Mark 8 verses

Mark 8 10 Meaning

Mark 8:10 describes Jesus' immediate action following the feeding of the four thousand. He enters a boat with His disciples and journeys to the region of Dalmanutha. This movement signifies a strategic shift in His ministry, likely from the Gentile Decapolis area back to the western, predominantly Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee. It marks a moment of transition and withdrawal, intended possibly for respite, private instruction of His disciples, or to avoid further immediate demands from the crowds and religious authorities.

Mark 8 10 Context

Mark chapter 8 opens with Jesus in a Gentile region, likely the Decapolis, where He miraculously feeds four thousand people (Mk 8:1-9). This act echoes His earlier feeding of the five thousand for a Jewish audience, demonstrating His compassion and divine power extend to both Jew and Gentile. Immediately following this grand public miracle, Mark 8:10 depicts Jesus' movement across the Sea of Galilee. He re-enters a boat with His disciples, setting course for Dalmanutha, a location on the western (Jewish) side of the lake. This move signals a deliberate transition from public ministry in Gentile lands back into a Jewish territory where religious opposition is prevalent. The very next verses (Mk 8:11-13) reveal the immediate reason for this shift and the subsequent encounter: the Pharisees quickly confront Jesus, demanding a sign from heaven, prompting Him to sigh deeply and depart again. Thus, the journey to Dalmanutha in Mark 8:10 serves as a brief but crucial transitional point, placing Jesus back in the heart of Judean conflict before continuing His intimate instruction of the disciples and journey toward Jerusalem.

Mark 8 10 Word analysis

• And (καὶ kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this action seamlessly to the preceding event—the feeding of the four thousand. It denotes a continuous narrative flow.
• immediately (εὐθύς euthys): A characteristic adverb in Mark's Gospel, appearing frequently. It signifies a sense of urgency, promptness, or divine impulse. It emphasizes Jesus' decisiveness and the rapid progression of His ministry events. Here, it highlights a swift transition after the large public ministry moment.
• he entered into (ἐμβὰς εἰς embas eis): An aorist participle, indicating a completed action that occurred before the main verb (came). "He" refers to Jesus, the central figure. It suggests Jesus took the initiative to embark.
• a boat (τὸ πλοῖον to ploion): The definite article "the" indicates this might be "the" boat habitually used by Jesus and His disciples, or a specific boat that was readily available to them. Boats were a common means of transport on the Sea of Galilee. It also implies a means of swift departure from the previous setting.
• with his disciples (μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ meta ton mathetōn autou): Highlights the constant presence and inclusion of the disciples in Jesus' movements and ministry. Their participation signifies ongoing instruction and preparation for their future mission. This emphasizes the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry.
• and came (καὶ ἦλθεν kai ēlthen): Another simple conjunction "and" followed by the verb "came." It describes the completion of their journey by boat. This signifies successful arrival at their intended destination.
• into the region of (εἰς τὰ μέρη eis ta merē): Literally "into the parts/districts of." This phrase indicates that Jesus and His disciples entered a specific geographical area, rather than a single town. It suggests arriving at a general locale.
• Dalmanutha (Δαλμανουθά Dalmanoutha): A geographical location on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its exact site is uncertain but often associated with Magdala (Magadan in Mt 15:39), known as the home of Mary Magdalene. Its obscurity in historical records beyond this Gospel account adds to its mysterious quality. The name itself might derive from an Aramaic root, possibly related to "harbor" or "watchtower." The movement to this Jewish area immediately precedes a confrontation with the Pharisees, which underscores Jesus' readiness to face opposition where He must.

Mark 8 10 Bonus section

The discrepancy between Mark's "Dalmanutha" and Matthew's "Magadan" (Mt 15:39) for what is otherwise the same narrative sequence has been a long-standing point of scholarly discussion. It is widely understood that Dalmanutha was likely a smaller locality, perhaps a village or district, within the broader area of Magadan (or Magdala). This aligns with Jesus often moving to less prominent places for specific phases of His ministry. The choice of location, while geographically ambiguous to modern readers, indicates Jesus' constant itinerancy, not settling in one place, but moving purposefully to fulfil His mission. This also emphasizes that Jesus was not primarily focused on gaining large public followings at every turn, but strategically navigated areas for the training of His disciples and the particular needs of His ministry phase. The boat journey also often served as a symbolic space, acting as a mobile classroom or a sanctuary for Jesus and His disciples away from the pressures of the crowds and opponents.

Mark 8 10 Commentary

Mark 8:10 concisely marks a pivotal transition in Jesus' ministry. Following the massive Gentile feeding, Jesus "immediately" shifts locations, retreating by boat with His disciples to the relatively obscure Dalmanutha, a region likely situated on the western, Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee. This swift move demonstrates Jesus' intentionality and sovereignty over His ministry schedule, avoiding prolonged engagement with large crowds after the feeding. His choice to bring His disciples along underscores His continuous focus on their spiritual formation, preparing them for upcoming, profound revelations about His suffering and identity. The journey itself serves as a boundary marker, taking Him from the periphery of Gentile outreach back into direct encounter with the established religious opposition (the Pharisees in the very next verses). The private nature of the journey (only with disciples) perhaps sought respite, a clearer space for teaching, or a strategic repositioning before confronting increasing hostility.