of Chaldee origin (compare מִגְדָּל); the tower; Magdala (i.e. Migdala), a place in Palestine:--Magdala.
Transliteration:Magdalá
Pronunciation:mag-dal-ah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G3093 (Magdalá) is a proper noun, a geographical place name. Its base definition, "of Chaldee origin (compare `{{H4026}}`); the tower; Magdala (i.e. Migdala), a place in Palestine," clearly indicates its etymological root. The Hebrew word `{{H4026}}` (Migdal) consistently means "tower," signifying a fortified structure, a watchtower, or a prominent elevated building. Thus, the name "Magdala" inherently carries the meaning of "the tower" or "a tower." This suggests the location may have been characterized by a prominent tower, perhaps for defense or observation, or it was situated on elevated ground. The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring specifically to this single locality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G3093 (Magdalá) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 15:39]]: "And he sent away the multitude, and got into a ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala."
This verse describes Jesus' movements immediately after the miraculous feeding of the four thousand. He dismisses the crowds, boards a boat, and sails to the region of Magdala. Geographically, Magdala was a town located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a few miles north of Tiberias. Its ancient name was Tarichaea, and it was a significant fishing village and a center for processing fish. The context indicates that Jesus, having ministered to a large crowd, likely in the Decapolis region on the eastern side of the lake (implied by the Gentile nature of the crowd in [[Matthew 15:29-38]]), now crosses back to the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee, landing in Magdala. This transition highlights Jesus' itinerancy and His ministry's reach across diverse regions and peoples around the lake. The brevity of its mention suggests it was simply a point of arrival, a known landmark for navigation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H4026}}` (Migdal), meaning "tower." This Hebrew term is found frequently in the Old Testament, often referring to literal towers (e.g., [[Genesis 11:4]] - Tower of Babel; [[Judges 9:51]] - Tower of Shechem) or incorporated into place names (e.g., Migdal-Eder in [[Genesis 35:21]], Migdal-Gad in [[Joshua 15:37]]). The concept of a "tower" in biblical thought can symbolize strength, defense, a place of refuge, or sometimes human pride and ambition. While Magdala itself is a place, its name evokes this imagery of a prominent, perhaps fortified, location.
It is also crucial to acknowledge the common association of Magdala with Mary Magdalene. While "Magdala" (G3093) refers to the town, "Mary Magdalene" (G3107, Magdalēnē) signifies "Mary of Magdala." Her epithet directly links her to this town, making it a place of significant historical and traditional importance for understanding one of Jesus' most devoted followers. However, the word study here is strictly on the geographical name itself.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical location mentioned only once and briefly in the Gospels, Magdala does not carry deep, explicit theological significance in itself. Its primary importance lies in its role as a setting for Jesus' ministry.
1. **Witness to Jesus' Itinerant Ministry:** Jesus' arrival in Magdala demonstrates His continuous movement throughout Galilee, engaging with various communities and regions. It highlights the breadth and scope of His mission, crossing the Sea of Galilee to reach different areas.
2. **A Place of Transition:** Following the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus' departure to Magdala marks a transition point in the narrative. It signifies a shift in location and perhaps audience, as He moves from a more Gentile-leaning area (Decapolis) back into Jewish territory.
3. **Connection to Discipleship:** While the word study is on the place, the enduring legacy of Magdala is its connection to Mary Magdalene. This indirectly elevates the town's significance as the possible origin of a key witness to the resurrection, underscoring the divine election of individuals from seemingly ordinary places to participate in God's redemptive plan.
4. **Symbolic Echoes:** Though not directly stated, the name "Magdala" ("the tower") can subtly resonate with biblical themes of God as a "strong tower" ([[Proverbs 18:10]]) or Christ as a refuge. While not a direct theological statement about the town, the etymology carries these echoes for the contemplative reader.
### Summary
G3093 (Magdalá) is a Greek proper noun referring to a specific town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its name, derived from the Aramaic/Hebrew `{{H4026}}` (Migdal), means "the tower." The term appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 15:39]], where it serves as the landing point for Jesus' boat after the feeding of the four thousand. While its direct theological significance is limited to its function as a geographical setting for Jesus' itinerant ministry, its historical importance is amplified by its traditional association as the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Thus, Magdala stands as a humble yet significant location in the unfolding narrative of the Gospels, a place touched by the presence of Christ.
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