Magdalene
LocationsGeographical Setting
Magdala was a fishing village and town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee during the first century CE.
What is the meaning of Magdalene in the Bible?
Magdala is a toponym identifying the hometown of Mary, a prominent female disciple of Jesus, rather than a personal name itself.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Magdala as a specific geographic origin clarifies the historical context of Mary's identity and distinguishes her from other women named Mary in the New Testament narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Magdalene (located near modern Magdala (modern-day Talhum), Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Magdalene in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Magdalene clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Magdalene." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/magdalene/