Matthew 15:39 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:39 mean?

Matthew 15:39 describes how Jesus dismissed the large crowd that had gathered around him, then got into a boat and traveled to the region of Magdala. This verse marks a transition point, showing Jesus moving on to a new location after finishing his ministry in that area.

Jesus is the one acting in this verse, and the people he sends away are the crowds who had come to hear him and receive healing. After caring for their needs, Jesus boards a boat—something common in his ministry around the Sea of Galilee—and heads toward Magdala, a town on the western shore. This simple statement sets up the next events in the story and shows Jesus’ pattern of moving from place to place.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:39

• The word translated "multitude" is ὄχλος (ochlos), which often refers to a large group of ordinary people gathered together, highlighting the scale of Jesus’ audience.
• The phrase "took ship" uses the Greek words εἰς (eis, "into") and πλοῖον (ploion, "boat" or "ship"), showing that Jesus physically entered a boat to travel, a detail that emphasizes the practical realities of his ministry.
• "Coasts" is from the Greek χώρα (chōra), which can mean region or territory, not just a shoreline, so it points to Jesus arriving in the general area around Magdala, not necessarily right on the water’s edge.
• "Magdala" (Μαγδαλά, Magdala) refers to a specific town, which is significant because it situates the next part of Jesus’ ministry in a real, identifiable place.

Why Matthew 15:39 matters

• This verse helps clarify the flow of events, showing that Jesus often moved from place to place after ministering to crowds, rather than staying in one area.
• By mentioning Magdala, the verse connects Jesus’ journey to a real location, grounding the story in actual geography and history.
• The transition here sets up the next encounters and teachings, reminding readers that each movement in Jesus’ ministry was purposeful and often led to new opportunities for teaching and healing.