Matthew 15:39

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he sent away {G630} the multitude {G3793}, and took {G1684} ship {G1519}{G4143}, and {G2532} came {G2064} into {G1519} the coasts {G3725} of Magdala {G3093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After sending the crowd away, he got in the boat and went off to the region of Magadan.

Berean Standard Bible

After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

American Standard Version

And he sent away the multitudes, and entered into the boat, and came into the borders of Magadan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:39 serves as a concise yet significant narrative pivot, detailing Jesus' departure from the region where He miraculously fed the four thousand, and His subsequent journey by boat to the area of Magdala. This verse marks a deliberate geographical transition in Jesus' ministry, moving Him from predominantly Gentile territory back towards a more Jewish-populated region on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, setting the stage for new encounters and further revelations of His identity and purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound account of Jesus' second miraculous feeding, where He compassionately provided for over [four thousand people](/matthew/15-32-38 "Matthew 15:32-38 - The Feeding of the Four Thousand") in a remote, predominantly Gentile area east of the Sea of Galilee. Prior to this demonstration of divine provision, Jesus had engaged in a sharp theological conflict with the Pharisees and scribes, challenging their rigid adherence to human traditions over [God's divine commandments](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - Jesus Confronts Traditions"). Having ministered extensively to the diverse crowds, healing many and providing sustenance, Jesus now orchestrates a strategic departure, concluding this significant phase of His ministry in the Decapolis region and preparing for the next stage of His public teaching and interaction, which will soon involve further confrontations with religious leaders and deeper instruction for His disciples, as seen in [Matthew 16](/matthew/16 "Matthew 16 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prophecy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "coasts of Magdala" refers to the region surrounding the ancient town of Magdala, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, approximately three miles north of Tiberias. Magdala (also known as Migdal Nunaya, "Fish Tower," in Aramaic) was a thriving fishing village renowned for its salted and dried fish industry, a major economic hub in the region. Culturally, this move signifies Jesus' return to a more Jewish-populated area after His extensive ministry in the Decapolis, a region largely inhabited by Gentiles. This deliberate geographical shift highlights the breadth of Jesus' ministry, which encompassed both Jewish and Gentile territories, demonstrating the universal scope of His message. The use of a "ship" (a common fishing boat) was a practical and frequently employed mode of transport across the Sea of Galilee, enabling swift movement between its various shores and communities.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 15:39 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Intentionality and Purposeful Movement**. Jesus' journeys were never arbitrary; each transition was a strategic component of His redemptive mission, demonstrating His sovereignty over time, space, and the unfolding of His ministry. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Authority and Control**, as He dismisses large crowds and commands the means of His travel, signifying His mastery over both people and nature. Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Inclusion and the Universal Scope of the Gospel**, as Jesus moves between Jewish and Gentile regions, foreshadowing the ultimate commission to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Finally, it exemplifies Jesus' pattern of **Strategic Withdrawal and Preparation**, where after intense periods of ministry or confrontation, He would often retreat to a new location, allowing for rest, reflection, and the preparation for future teachings and encounters, a pattern seen throughout the Gospels, such as after the feeding of the five thousand in [Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Matthew 14:22-23 - Jesus Walks on Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent away (Greek, _apolýō'_):** From G630, meaning "to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce." In this context, it signifies Jesus' authoritative act of dismissing the large crowd, indicating His control and the completion of His immediate work among them. It is not merely a passive departure but an active sending forth.
* **took ship (Greek, _embaínō'_):** From G1684, meaning "to walk on, i.e. embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)." This word emphasizes the physical act of stepping into or boarding a vessel, highlighting the deliberate and intentional nature of Jesus' journey across the water. It conveys a sense of purposeful action and transition.
* **coasts (Greek, _hórion'_):** From G3725, meaning "a boundary-line, i.e. (by implication) a frontier (region)." This term refers not just to the immediate shoreline but to the broader territory or region of Magdala. It indicates that Jesus arrived in the general vicinity or district associated with Magdala, emphasizing a change in geographical and potentially cultural context.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent away the multitude":** This clause signifies the conclusion of Jesus' extensive ministry to the large crowd in the Decapolis region. "Sent away" (apolýō) implies a deliberate and authoritative dismissal, rather than a mere dispersal. Jesus, having met their physical and spiritual needs through healing and miraculous feeding, now orchestrates their departure, demonstrating His control and the completion of this phase of His work.
* **"and took ship":** This phrase describes the means of Jesus' immediate travel. "Took ship" (embaínō) indicates He boarded a boat, a common mode of transport across the Sea of Galilee. This action is purposeful, not accidental, as Jesus intentionally embarks on a new leg of His journey, utilizing the available resources to transition to a new location.
* **"and came into the coasts of Magdala":** This final clause specifies Jesus' destination. "Came into" (érchomai, eis) denotes His arrival in the general region or "coasts" (hórion) of Magdala. Magdala was a well-known Jewish town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. This arrival marks a significant geographical shift from the Gentile-dominated Decapolis back to a more Jewish area, setting the stage for subsequent interactions and teachings.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:39, though brief, employs several literary devices. The verse functions primarily as a **Narrative Transition**, marking a clear shift in setting and phase of Jesus' ministry. This transition is not merely geographical but also thematic, moving from a scene of mass healing and provision in Gentile territory to a new context that will involve further encounters with Jewish religious leaders and deeper instruction for the disciples. The mention of "Magdala" carries **Geographical Symbolism**, as this location, a prominent Jewish fishing town, contrasts with the Gentile Decapolis, subtly highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' ministry while also signaling a return to a more familiar, yet often contentious, Jewish environment. The deliberate actions of Jesus—"sent away," "took ship," "came"—underscore His **Divine Agency and Authority**, portraying Him not as a passive figure but as one actively directing the course of events. This purposeful movement also serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the subsequent events in Matthew's narrative, particularly the challenging interactions that await Jesus in this new region.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:39, though seemingly a simple geographical notation, carries significant theological weight. It underscores the purposeful, strategic nature of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating that His movements were not random but divinely orchestrated to fulfill His mission. His willingness to minister extensively in both Gentile (Decapolis) and Jewish (Magdala) territories highlights the universal scope of the Gospel, revealing God's heart for all humanity, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This verse also subtly reinforces the theme of Jesus' authority—over the crowds He dismisses, and over the elements as He travels by ship. The pattern of strategic withdrawal after intense ministry is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of discernment, rest, and preparation in spiritual service, even for the Son of God. It sets the stage for the ongoing revelation of Jesus' identity and the challenges His disciples face in understanding His teachings, particularly concerning the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which immediately follows this transition.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [John 4:4-42](/john/4-4-42 "John 4:4-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:39 invites us to consider the intentionality and divine purpose behind every step of Jesus' earthly ministry. Just as Jesus strategically moved from one phase of ministry to the next, dismissing crowds and embarking on new journeys, so too are believers called to live lives of purposeful direction, guided by God's will rather than by impulse or convenience. This verse reminds us that effective service often involves knowing when to conclude a particular season, when to transition, and when to seek new environments for growth and further revelation. It challenges us to reflect on our own "transitions" in life—whether in work, relationships, or spiritual disciplines—and to ask if we are seeking God's guidance in these shifts. Furthermore, Jesus' willingness to minister in diverse regions, crossing cultural and ethnic boundaries, serves as a powerful reminder for us to embrace the universal call of the Gospel, extending compassion and truth to all people, just as He did. We are to be available for God's purposes wherever He leads, trusting His timing and His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing a "transition," and how can I seek God's purposeful direction in this new phase?**
* **How does Jesus' pattern of strategic withdrawal and movement inform my own approach to ministry or service, particularly in discerning when to rest or change focus?**
* **How can I embody Jesus' inclusive approach to ministry, extending the love and truth of the Gospel across cultural or social boundaries in my own community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "send away the multitude" and leave?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to "send away the multitude" and depart was a strategic move, not a sign of disinterest. Immediately after miraculously feeding four thousand people and healing many, Jesus often sought periods of transition or withdrawal. This served several purposes: to avoid being made a king by force (as seen in [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws After Feeding")), to provide a necessary break from intense public ministry, and to move to a new location for further teaching and interaction, particularly with His disciples. It demonstrates His divine authority to conclude a phase of ministry and His purposeful direction towards the next stage of His redemptive mission.

**What is the significance of "Magdala" as a destination?**

Answer: Magdala (or Magadan/Dalmanutha in parallel accounts like [Mark 8:10](/mark/8-10 "Mark 8:10 - Jesus Goes to Dalmanutha")) was a prominent Jewish fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its significance lies in the fact that Jesus was moving from the predominantly Gentile region of the Decapolis, where He had just performed the feeding of the four thousand, back into a more Jewish area. This geographical shift highlights the breadth of Jesus' ministry, which encompassed both Jews and Gentiles, and sets the stage for subsequent encounters with Jewish religious leaders, as well as further private instruction for His disciples concerning the nature of His kingdom and the challenges they would face. It signifies a return to a familiar, yet often contentious, spiritual landscape.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:39, in its simple account of Jesus' purposeful movement, profoundly points to His Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus, the Son of God, is not aimlessly wandering but is on a divinely appointed mission to seek and save the lost. His departure from the Gentile Decapolis and arrival in Jewish Magdala underscores His universal redemptive purpose, demonstrating that His saving grace extends to all peoples, fulfilling the ancient promises that through Abraham's seed, [all the families of the earth would be blessed](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant"). His authority in dismissing the crowds and commanding His journey by ship foreshadows His ultimate authority over all creation and His sovereign control over the unfolding of salvation history. This strategic movement culminates in His journey to Jerusalem, where He would willingly [lay down His life as the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") for the sins of the world. Every step of Jesus' earthly ministry, including this seemingly minor transition, was a deliberate act of obedience to the Father, leading to the cross and the empty tomb, thereby securing the [hope of eternal life for all who believe](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World") in Him. He is the ultimate pilgrim, whose journey culminates in the establishment of His eternal kingdom, embracing both Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, as [Paul powerfully articulates in Ephesians](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ").

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

Mark 8:10

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

Matthew 14:22

¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.