### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Magdalá**, represented by `{{G3093}}`, is a place name in Palestine. Derived from a Chaldee word meaning **the tower**, it appears just **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its sole use serves to identify a specific geographical location visited by Jesus during His ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{G3093}}` occurs in [[Matthew 15:39]]. In this passage, after sending away a large crowd, Jesus boards a ship and travels to a new area. The verse states, "And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of **Magdala**" [[Matthew 15:39]]. This brief mention establishes the destination of Jesus's journey, marking a transition from one phase of His ministry to another.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of this journey to Magdala involves several key actions described by related Greek words:
* `{{G630}}` **apolýō** (sent away): This word means to free fully, release, or dismiss. It is used here to describe Jesus dismissing the multitude before He departed [[Matthew 15:39]] and is also used in the context of divorce [[Matthew 5:32]].
* `{{G1684}}` **embaínō** (took ship): Meaning to embark or enter into a vessel. This action is a frequent element in the Gospels, showing how Jesus and His disciples would get into a ship to travel [[Matthew 8:23]].
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (ship): This refers to a vessel or sailer. Ships are central to many gospel narratives, serving as a means of transport, a platform for teaching, and the setting for miracles [[Matthew 8:24]].
* `{{G3725}}` **hórion** (coasts): This term defines a boundary-line or a frontier region. Jesus is described as coming into the "coasts" of Magdala, indicating His arrival in that territory [[Matthew 15:39]].
* `{{G3793}}` **óchlos** (multitude): This word describes a throng or a large crowd of people. Jesus often ministered to the multitudes that followed Him before moving to a new location [[Matthew 9:36]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3093}}` is primarily geographical and narrative, grounding the gospel account in a specific location.
* **A Destination of Ministry:** The arrival at the coasts of Magdala marks a specific point in Jesus's travels, immediately following His ministry to a great multitude [[Matthew 15:39]].
* **Geographical Anchor:** As a named place in Palestine, its mention provides a concrete setting for the events of the gospel, lending historical and geographical weight to the narrative. The name itself, meaning "the tower," provides a distinct identity for the location.
* **Transition Point:** The journey to Magdala by ship signifies a deliberate movement and transition. Jesus concludes His work with the crowd, and travels to a new region, the coasts of `{{G3093}}`, to continue His work.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3093}}` **Magdalá** is a place name whose single appearance serves a simple but important function. It defines a destination in Jesus's itinerant ministry, marking the end of one encounter and the beginning of another. While not a theological term, its inclusion in the text demonstrates the specific, grounded nature of the biblical narrative, which unfolds in real places like the coasts of Magdala.
TRV