Mark 8:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} straightway {G2112} he entered {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143} with {G3326} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and came {G2064} into {G1519} the parts {G3313} of Dalmanutha {G1148}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After sending them away, Yeshua got into the boat with his talmidim and went off to the district of Dalmanuta.

Berean Standard Bible

He got into the boat with His disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:10 details Jesus' immediate departure by boat with His disciples to the region of Dalmanutha, following the miraculous feeding of the four thousand. This swift geographical transition underscores the dynamic and purposeful nature of Jesus' ministry, moving Him and His inner circle from a scene of public demonstration to a new setting, likely for further teaching and engagement with different challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as an immediate transition point in Mark's narrative. It directly follows the second major feeding miracle, where Jesus miraculously fed four thousand people with seven loaves and a few small fish [Mark 8:1-9](/mark/8-1-9 "Mark 8:1-9 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand"). The rapid departure by boat is characteristic of Mark's Gospel, often signaling a shift in Jesus' ministry focus or a move away from the crowds after a significant public event. The subsequent verses reveal a confrontation with the Pharisees, who demand a sign from heaven, leading to Jesus' lament and further departure [Mark 8:11-13](/mark/8-11-13 "Mark 8:11-13 - Pharisees Demand a Sign"). This sequence highlights Jesus' ongoing movement and the varied responses to His ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Dalmanutha, also referred to as Magadan in Matthew's parallel account [Matthew 15:39](/matthew/15-39 "Matthew 15:39 - Jesus Goes to Magadan"), was likely a small town or region located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, possibly south of Capernaum and near the well-known town of Magdala. This area was part of the Decapolis, a region with a mixed Jewish and Gentile population, suggesting Jesus' ministry extended beyond purely Jewish territories. Travel by ship (a common fishing vessel) was the most efficient and practical way to traverse the Sea of Galilee, allowing Jesus and His disciples to avoid crowded roads and move quickly between lakeside communities.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 8:10 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' purposeful itinerancy and movement**, illustrating His dynamic and unceasing mission to proclaim the kingdom of God across various regions [Mark 1:38-39](/mark/1-38-39 "Mark 1:38-39 - Jesus Preaches in Galilee"). Secondly, the constant presence of "his disciples" highlights the theme of **discipleship training**, as they are continually with Jesus, observing His actions and learning from His responses to different situations, even in moments of transition [Mark 3:13-15](/mark/3-13-15 "Mark 3:13-15 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve"). Lastly, the swift departure after a miracle often points to **Jesus' strategic withdrawals**, whether to avoid popular acclaim, escape hostile encounters, or prepare for the next phase of His ministry, emphasizing His divine control over His schedule and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb, a hallmark of Mark's Gospel, appears frequently and conveys a sense of immediacy, urgency, and directness. Here, it emphasizes the swiftness of Jesus' action, indicating that His departure was not delayed but occurred without hesitation, reinforcing the dynamic and purposeful nature of His ministry.
* **entered (Greek, _embaínō'_):** Derived from "en" (in) and "basis" (a stepping), this verb specifically means "to walk on" or "to embark." It describes the physical action of stepping into or boarding the ship. This highlights the practical means of Jesus' travel and His engagement with the ordinary modes of transport available in His time.
* **Dalmanutha (Greek, _Dalmanouthá'_):** This proper noun refers to a specific geographical location, likely a town or region on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its obscurity, compared to more prominent towns, suggests Jesus' willingness to minister in less-known areas, and its mention underscores the historical specificity of Mark's account.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples":** This clause emphasizes the immediate and decisive action of Jesus. The use of "straightway" (euthéōs) signals a rapid transition, characteristic of Mark's fast-paced narrative. Jesus' choice to enter a ship indicates a deliberate change in His mode of travel, likely to move efficiently across the Sea of Galilee. The crucial detail "with his disciples" highlights the ongoing nature of their companionship and training; they are not merely observers but active participants in His journeys, constantly learning through proximity and experience.
* **"and came into the parts of Dalmanutha":** This second clause specifies the destination of Jesus and His disciples. "Parts" (méros) suggests a region or district rather than a precise town, indicating a broader area. Dalmanutha, an otherwise obscure location, marks a new setting for Jesus' ministry, signifying His continuous movement and His mission to reach various communities, even those less prominent. This arrival sets the stage for the next significant interaction in the narrative.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:10 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Immediacy**, conveyed through the frequent use of "straightway" (euthéōs). This stylistic choice is a hallmark of Mark's Gospel, creating a sense of urgency, divine power, and rapid progression in Jesus' ministry. It suggests that Jesus' actions are decisive and purposeful, without hesitation or delay. Another device is **Geographical Transition**, as the verse marks a swift movement from one location to another. This constant itinerancy is not merely descriptive but serves as a narrative engine, propelling the story forward and illustrating the expansive reach of Jesus' mission. The ship itself can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, often representing a place of instruction, retreat, or even a vessel for the spread of the Gospel, contrasting with the chaotic crowds on land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 8:10, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It underscores the divine initiative and purposeful nature of Jesus' ministry; His movements are not random but guided by a clear mission. Even after a powerful public miracle, Jesus does not linger but immediately transitions to the next phase, demonstrating His unwavering focus on the Father's will. This constant movement also highlights the dynamic nature of the Gospel message, which is not static but actively carried to new places and people. Furthermore, the presence of the disciples emphasizes the communal aspect of following Christ and the ongoing process of spiritual formation that occurs through shared experiences and close fellowship with the Master.

* [Mark 4:1-2](/mark/4-1-2 "Jesus Teaches from a Boat")
* [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Jesus Sends Disciples Ahead and Prays")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Jesus moved purposefully from one phase of ministry to the next, we are called to be responsive to God's leading in our lives, understanding that our spiritual journeys often involve seasons of transition and new assignments, even after significant spiritual victories. This verse reminds us that true discipleship is not static but involves active participation in Christ's mission, often requiring us to step out in faith and follow Him to unfamiliar "parts." It challenges us to embrace change, trust God's direction, and recognize that our growth often occurs in the context of movement and new challenges. Moreover, the presence of the disciples with Jesus underscores the vital importance of spiritual community and mentorship. We are not meant to walk alone but to learn, grow, and serve alongside fellow believers, drawing strength and wisdom from shared experiences and the guidance of our spiritual leaders.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond to seasons of transition in my life, especially after significant spiritual experiences or periods of intense service?**
* **In what ways am I actively participating in Christ's mission, and am I willing to follow Him to "unfamiliar parts" or new challenges?**
* **How does my engagement with a spiritual community contribute to my growth and understanding of Christ's mission, as exemplified by the disciples with Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Where was Dalmanutha, and why did Jesus go there?**

Answer: Dalmanutha was a region or town likely located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, possibly near Magdala (which Matthew's parallel account in [Matthew 15:39](/matthew/15-39 "Matthew 15:39 - Jesus Goes to Magadan") calls "Magadan"). The precise location is debated among scholars, but it was certainly in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus' reasons for going there are not explicitly stated, but His immediate departure after feeding the four thousand suggests a purposeful move. It could have been to avoid further crowds, to find a quieter place for teaching His disciples, or to engage with people in a new area, as His ministry often involved moving through different regions to spread the Gospel [Mark 1:38-39](/mark/1-38-39 "Mark 1:38-39 - Jesus Preaches in Galilee").

**What is the significance of Jesus leaving "straightway" after the miracle?**

Answer: The word "straightway" (Greek: _euthéōs_) is a characteristic feature of Mark's Gospel, appearing frequently to convey a sense of immediacy and urgency. In [Mark 8:10](/mark/8-10 "Mark 8:10 - Jesus Goes to Dalmanutha"), it highlights Jesus' decisive and purposeful action. His swift departure after the miraculous feeding of the four thousand [Mark 8:1-9](/mark/8-1-9 "Mark 8:1-9 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand") demonstrates that His ministry was not about lingering for acclaim or establishing a fixed base, but about a continuous, dynamic movement driven by divine purpose. It also sets the stage for the next encounter, which is often a challenge or a new teaching opportunity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:10, with its depiction of Jesus' purposeful movement and transition, points to the broader Christ-centered narrative of His earthly ministry and ultimate redemptive work. Jesus' constant itinerancy, moving from one place to another, foreshadows His ultimate journey to Jerusalem, where He would fulfill His messianic mission through suffering, death, and resurrection. Every step He took, every region He visited, was part of God's sovereign plan to bring salvation. His entry into the ship and journey to Dalmanutha, a seemingly ordinary act, reflects the divine intentionality behind His entire life, culminating in His journey to the cross [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem") and His subsequent ascension to the Father [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension"). Just as He purposefully moved to new "parts" on earth, He ultimately prepared a place for us in heaven [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us"), demonstrating His faithful completion of the Father's will from beginning to end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:39

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