Mark 7:31

¶ And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

And {G2532} again {G3825}, departing {G1831} from {G1537} the coasts {G3725} of Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}, he came {G2064} unto {G4314} the sea {G2281} of Galilee {G1056}, through {G303} the midst {G3319} of the coasts {G3725} of Decapolis {G1179}.

Then he left the district of Tzor and went through Tzidon to Lake Kinneret and on to the region of the Ten Towns.

Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.

And again he went out from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis.

Mark 7:31 describes a significant geographical movement of Jesus after His ministry in the region of Tyre and Sidon. This verse serves as a transitional passage, setting the stage for subsequent miracles and teachings.

Context

Following His encounter with the Syrophoenician woman and the healing of her daughter in the Gentile territories of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus embarks on a circuitous journey. Rather than returning directly to Galilee through Jewish areas, He travels northeast from Tyre and Sidon, then circles around the northern and eastern sides of the Sea of Galilee, passing through the region of Decapolis. This route highlights Jesus' willingness to minister beyond the traditional Jewish heartland, reaching out to Gentile populations, a theme that continues to unfold in Mark's Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Expansive Ministry: This journey illustrates Jesus' intentional outreach beyond Jewish borders, demonstrating His mission to all people, not just Israel. His presence in Gentile regions like Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis underscores the universal scope of His message and power, a principle later formalized in the Great Commission given to His disciples.
  • Strategic Movement: Jesus' chosen route through Decapolis, a region of ten Greco-Roman cities primarily inhabited by Gentiles, suggests a deliberate strategy. It allowed Him to continue His ministry among those who might not have had direct access to Him in Galilee, preparing the ground for future evangelism and establishing a broader reach for the Kingdom of God.
  • Preparation for Miracles: This verse immediately precedes the account of Jesus healing a deaf man with a speech impediment (Mark 7:32-37). The geographical setting in Decapolis emphasizes that His healing power transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, extending God's mercy to all who seek it.

Linguistic Insights

The term "coasts" (KJV) in this verse refers not just to the shoreline but to the broader regions or territories of Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis. Decapolis (Greek: Dekapolis) literally means "ten cities," referring to a league of primarily Greek-speaking cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman province of Syria, known for their Hellenistic culture. Jesus' presence in these areas was significant as it brought the light of His ministry into predominantly non-Jewish lands.

Practical Application

Mark 7:31 reminds us that God's love and redemptive plan are not limited by geographical, cultural, or social boundaries. Just as Jesus extended His ministry to the Gentiles, believers today are called to share the good news broadly, reflecting God's heart for all humanity. This passage encourages us to look beyond our immediate comfort zones and embrace opportunities to serve and witness wherever God leads, knowing that His power is effective in every context and for every person.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 4:25

    And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.

  • Matthew 15:29

    ¶ And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

  • Matthew 15:31

    Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

  • Mark 5:20

    And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel.

  • Mark 7:24

    ¶ And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know [it]: but he could not be hid.

  • Matthew 11:21

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

  • Matthew 4:18

    ¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

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