Magdala
Magdala is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, located in the region of Galilee in modern-day Israel. Known today as Majdal.
Biblical History
Magdala, though not explicitly named in most biblical translations, holds profound significance as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent women in the New Testament. Her designation "Magdalene" (meaning "of Magdala") appears in all four Gospels. Jesus cast seven demons from Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2), after which she became a devoted follower who helped support his ministry financially (Luke 8:3). She stood faithfully at the cross when most disciples had fled (Matthew 27:55-56; John 19:25), witnessed Jesus' burial (Matthew 27:61), and was among the first to discover the empty tomb on Easter morning (Matthew 28:1). Most remarkably, the risen Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene, commissioning her to announce the resurrection to the other disciples (John 20:11-18), earning her the ancient title "apostle to the apostles." Magdala itself was a prosperous fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, situated in the heart of the region where Jesus conducted much of his public ministry. The town likely also corresponds to the "Magadan" of Matthew 15:39.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Magdala (modern Migdal) is located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Major archaeological excavations beginning in 2009, conducted by the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum and the Israel Antiquities Authority, have transformed scholarly understanding of this site. The most spectacular discovery is a first-century synagogue containing a carved stone block with the earliest known depiction of the Second Temple menorah. Excavations have also uncovered a thriving fishing village with ritual baths (mikva'ot), a marketplace, residential quarters, and harbor installations. Josephus mentions Magdala (which he calls Taricheae) as an important fortified town during the Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD. The site is now an active pilgrimage and archaeological destination, with the Duc in Altum church built adjacent to the excavations.
Verse Appearances (0)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →