King James Version

What Does Mark 7:31 Mean?

Mark 7:31 in the King James Version says “And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts... — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 7:31 · KJV


Context

29

And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

30

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

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.

32

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

33

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Departing from Tyre and Sidon, through the Decapolis—Jesus's geographical movements are theologically significant. This circuitous route—through Sidon, then the Decapolis (ten cities), a Gentile region—indicates intentional ministry among Gentiles. The Decapolis was where Jesus healed the Gerasene demoniac who proclaimed what Jesus did (Mark 5:20). Now Jesus returns. Faithful witness prepared soil for fruitful ministry. Jesus's Gentile ministry prefigures the Great Commission—though His earthly mission targeted Israel primarily, He repeatedly ministered to Gentiles, foreshadowing the gospel to all nations (Ephesians 2:14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Decapolis was a league of ten Greco-Roman cities (63 BC), predominantly Gentile Hellenistic culture centers. That Jesus traveled extensively through Gentile territory demonstrates His mission's universal scope. The religious establishment criticized Him for associating with sinners; ministry among pagans was more scandalous. Yet Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), transcending ethnic and religious boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's intentional Gentile ministry challenge boundaries you erect regarding who deserves the gospel?
  2. What does Jesus's circuitous route teach about divine sovereignty in arranging ministry appointments?
  3. How does earlier testimony preparing the Decapolis illustrate the relationship between faithful witness and gospel receptivity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάλιν2 of 20

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἐξελθὼν3 of 20

departing

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ4 of 20

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν5 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁρίων6 of 20

of the coasts

G3725

a boundary-line, i.e., (by implication) a frontier (region)

Τύρου7 of 20

of Tyre

G5184

the city of tyre

Καὶ8 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σιδῶνος9 of 20

Sidon

G4605

sidon (i.e., tsidon), a place in palestine

ἦλθεν10 of 20

he came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς11 of 20

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὴν12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάλασσαν13 of 20

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

τῆς14 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίας15 of 20

of Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

ἀνὰ16 of 20

through

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

μέσον17 of 20

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῶν18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁρίων19 of 20

of the coasts

G3725

a boundary-line, i.e., (by implication) a frontier (region)

Δεκαπόλεως20 of 20

of Decapolis

G1179

the ten-city region; the decapolis, a district in syria


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 7:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 7:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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