King James Version

What Does Mark 8:10 Mean?

Mark 8:10 in the King James Version says “And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 8:10 · KJV

Context

8

So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.

9

And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

10

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

11

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

12

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

Read Mark 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Straightway he entered into a ship (εὐθὺς, euthys)—Mark's characteristic 'immediately' emphasizes rapid transition from public ministry to private instruction. Jesus withdraws from Gentile territory after the feeding, crossing back to Jewish regions. Came into the parts of Dalmanutha—location unknown, possibly near Magdala on Galilee's western shore (Matthew 15:39 mentions 'Magdala'). The geographic detail emphasizes historical precision.

This movement from Gentile Decapolis to Jewish territory sets up the following confrontation with Pharisees (v. 11). Jesus' ministry alternates between Jewish and Gentile regions, demonstrating that the kingdom transcends ethnic boundaries. The boat journey recalls Israel's crossing from wilderness to Promised Land—Jesus leads a new exodus not confined to ethnic Israel but encompassing all who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dalmanutha's precise location remains debated—possibly modern Khirbet el-Minyeh or Ain el-Barideh near Magdala. The Sea of Galilee was roughly seven miles wide; boat crossings took 2-4 hours depending on wind. These frequent crossings exposed disciples to Jesus' sovereignty over nature (calming storms) and demonstrated His intentional border-crossing ministry. First-century Jews strictly avoided Gentile territory to maintain ritual purity; Jesus' repeated crossings challenged these boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' movement between Jewish and Gentile territories model the gospel's boundary-crossing nature?
  2. What 'territories' or people groups might Jesus be calling you to cross into with the gospel?
  3. How does Jesus' 'straightway' withdrawal after ministry demonstrate the rhythm of public service and private retreat?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

εὐθὲως2 of 15

“straightway”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἐμβὰς3 of 15

“he entered”

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

εἰς4 of 15

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ5 of 15
G3588

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

πλοῖον6 of 15

“a ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

μετὰ7 of 15

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν8 of 15
G3588

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

μαθητῶν9 of 15

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ10 of 15
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἦλθεν11 of 15

“and came”

G2064

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

εἰς12 of 15

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ13 of 15
G3588

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

μέρη14 of 15

“the parts”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

Δαλμανουθά15 of 15

“of Dalmanutha”

G1148

dalmanutha, a place in palestine

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 8:10 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 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:39

Places in This Verse

DalmanuthaSettlement · Modern: Majdal · 32.83°N, 35.51°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Mark 8 →

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