Matthew 15 39

Matthew 15:39 kjv

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

Matthew 15:39 nkjv

And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.

Matthew 15:39 niv

After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

Matthew 15:39 esv

And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Matthew 15:39 nlt

Then Jesus sent the people home, and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan.

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 39 Meaning

Matthew 15:39 marks a transitional moment in Jesus' ministry. After performing the miracle of feeding the four thousand, Jesus dismisses the gathered crowds, concludes His time in that immediate location, and immediately departs by boat across the Sea of Galilee to a new geographical area known as the region of Magadan. This departure signifies the end of one phase of ministry and sets the stage for new teachings and interactions, particularly with the religious leaders, as the narrative progresses.

Matthew 15 39 Context

Matthew 15:39 follows the second major feeding miracle performed by Jesus, where four thousand people were fed from seven loaves and a few small fish (Matt 15:32-38). This miracle, like the feeding of the five thousand, showcased Jesus' divine power and compassion, demonstrating His ability to provide supernaturally for physical needs. Before this miracle, Jesus had engaged in a sharp discourse with the Pharisees and scribes regarding true defilement, contrasting their man-made traditions with God's commandments (Matt 15:1-20). He also demonstrated His universal compassion by healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman, a Gentile, after commending her great faith (Matt 15:21-28).

The journey to "Magadan" (or Dalmanutha in Mark's parallel, Mk 8:10) represents a transition. Historically, Magadan (likely referring to Migdal or Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee) was a significant fishing village and an area where Jesus frequently ministered or passed through. This area, while Jewish, was close to Hellenistic influence, fitting the pattern of Jesus extending His ministry beyond strictly insular Jewish circles, yet still facing opposition. The deliberate movement by boat highlights a conscious decision to separate from the crowd and relocate, often to teach disciples privately or confront specific challenges.

Matthew 15 39 Word analysis

• And sending away (Ἀπολύσας - Apolysas): An aorist active participle from apolyō, meaning "to dismiss," "to send away," or "to release." It indicates a completed action by Jesus Himself. This act signifies the conclusion of the public gathering and the end of the previous ministry event (the feeding). It also emphasizes Jesus' authority and control over the crowd and His own movements, a deliberate departure from potential overwhelming popularity or political expectations after a miracle.
• the crowds (τοὺς ὄχλους - tous ochlous): Refers to the large numbers of people mentioned in the preceding verses (Matt 15:33-38) who had gathered to see and hear Jesus and had been miraculously fed. The definite article 'the' specifies these particular groups.
• He got into (ἐνέβη - enebē): An aorist active indicative of embainō, meaning "to step into," "to embark." This is a direct, immediate action by Jesus following the dismissal of the crowds. It suggests a purposeful movement, indicative of His intention to leave that place.
• the boat (εἰς τὸ πλοῖον - eis to ploion): The use of the definite article 'the' suggests either a specific boat familiar to Jesus and His disciples (perhaps Peter's fishing boat, which was often available) or simply the one they would naturally use for crossing the sea. Boats were a common and necessary mode of transport on the Sea of Galilee. Symbolically, a boat journey often precedes a new teaching or challenge in the Gospel narratives.
• and came (ἦλθεν - ēlthen): An aorist active indicative of erchomai, "to come" or "to go." This verb emphasizes the destination reached after the boat journey, underscoring Jesus' deliberate travel to a new area.
• to the region of Magadan (εἰς τὰ ὅρια Μαγαδάν - eis ta horia Magadan):
  • Region (ὅρια - horia): Literally "borders" or "territories," indicating a specific geographical district. This specifies that Jesus went not just to the town but to the general vicinity.
  • Magadan (Μαγαδάν - Magadan): The exact location has variations in ancient manuscripts (some read "Magdala"). Mark's parallel passage identifies this location as "Dalmanutha" (Mk 8:10). Both terms likely refer to areas on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, perhaps referring to the general vicinity around the town of Migdal (Magdala). It was a prominent town known for fishing and possibly a wealthy area, setting the stage for subsequent interactions, particularly with the critical religious leaders.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And sending away the crowds, He got into the boat": This sequence highlights Jesus' regular practice of withdrawing from public ministry and large crowds after a major event. This withdrawal allowed for rest, private teaching of His disciples, and a deliberate avoidance of popular attempts to make Him a king based on physical provision rather than spiritual understanding (cf. Jn 6:15).
• "and came to the region of Magadan": This indicates a specific geographical movement. Magadan/Dalmanutha marks a new strategic location, typically where fresh challenges, new teachings, or further ministry awaited Jesus and His disciples, as shown in the very next verse (Matt 16:1) where the Pharisees and Sadducees immediately approach Him.

Matthew 15 39 Bonus section

• The textual variation between "Magadan" in Matthew and "Dalmanutha" in Mark (Mk 8:10) for the destination is not contradictory but likely refers to the same general area, potentially different villages within the same district or different names for the same region used by different authors. This illustrates the precision (or non-precision, depending on one's view) of ancient place names and the general scope of New Testament geography.
• Jesus' consistent practice of withdrawing from crowds by boat often served several purposes: to escape dangerous popularity, to allow for focused teaching moments with His disciples, and to model the balance between active ministry and periods of rest or deeper fellowship. This pattern informs the early Church's rhythm of mission.
• The immediate sequel to this journey in Matt 16:1, where Jesus encounters the Pharisees and Sadducees seeking a sign, reinforces the narrative purpose of this movement: not just a break, but a deliberate transition to the next confrontational stage of His ministry. The location perhaps being a stronghold of Pharisaic influence amplifies the imminent conflict.

Matthew 15 39 Commentary

Matthew 15:39 serves as a concise transition, concluding the narrative of the feeding of the four thousand and repositioning Jesus for the events to come. His dismissal of the crowds and immediate embarkation reflect a consistent pattern in His ministry: a cycle of intense public engagement followed by a deliberate withdrawal, often to separate Himself from the demands of the masses, to secure quiet for teaching His disciples privately, or to move towards a new objective. The choice to travel by boat emphasizes the physical and perhaps symbolic separation from the recent ministry phase. His arrival in the region of Magadan, a significant point on the western Galilean shore, signals His continued itinerary through regions where He would both perform miracles and confront the escalating opposition of the religious authorities. It implies His sovereignty over His schedule and purpose, unswayed by the adulation of the multitude or the opposition of the leaders. This verse sets the immediate stage for the coming spiritual discernment test and further conflict with the Pharisees and Sadducees, underscoring His unyielding commitment to His divine mission despite continued human resistance.