Δαλμανουθά

Pronunciation Guide: dal-man-oo-THAH

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1148: Dalmanutha is an obscure geographical location mentioned only once in the New Testament, specifically in Mark 8:10. It appears to be a small village or district near the Sea of Galilee where Yeshua (Jesus) traveled after the feeding of the four thousand. Its precise location remains uncertain, though scholars have proposed several possible sites along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Proper noun (place name)
• Origin: Likely Aramaic or Hebrew
• Usage context: Narrative section in Mark’s Gospel
• Appears only once in the entire New Testament
• Potentially related to the Hebrew word “צלמון” (tsalmon), meaning “shady place”

Δαλμανουθά Morphology:

• Δαλμανουθά (nominative singular) – Dalmanutha (as the subject)
• Δαλμανουθᾶς (genitive singular) – of Dalmanutha
• Δαλμανουθᾷ (dative singular) – in/at Dalmanutha
• Δαλμανουθάν (accusative singular) – to Dalmanutha

Origin & History

The etymology of Δαλμανουθά remains somewhat mysterious. It does not appear in classical Greek literature, the Septuagint, or any other known ancient text outside of Mark’s Gospel. This has led some scholars to suggest it may be a transliteration of an Aramaic or Hebrew place name that was familiar to the local population of first-century Galilee but obscure to wider audiences.

Eusebius of Caesarea (4th century CE) in his “Onomasticon” does not mention Dalmanutha, which is significant given his comprehensive catalog of biblical place names. This silence from early church fathers and geographers has contributed to the difficulty in pinpointing its exact location. The parallel passage in Matthew 15:39 mentions “Μαγαδάν” (Magadan) instead of Dalmanutha, suggesting either that the two names refer to the same general area or that they were neighboring localities that ancient authors considered interchangeable for the purpose of the narrative.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A small village or district on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee
• A landing place or harbor area where boats could dock
• A region associated with the territory of Magdala (hometown of Mary Magdalene)
• Possibly a variant name for Magdala or a smaller settlement within its vicinity

Δαλμανουθά Translation Options:

• Dalmanutha – The direct transliteration, preferred when maintaining the mysterious nature of the location is desired
• Region of Dalmanutha – Emphasizes that it might refer to a district rather than just a specific settlement
• Dalmanutha district – Clarifies the geographical nature of the reference
• Dalmanutha area – A broader rendering that acknowledges the uncertainty of its precise boundaries

Biblical Usage

Δαλμανουθά appears only once in the entirety of Scripture, in Mark 8:10, which states: “And immediately He got into the boat with His disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha [Δαλμανουθά].” This brief mention occurs at a significant juncture in Mark’s narrative—immediately following the miraculous feeding of the four thousand (primarily Gentiles) and just before a confrontation with the Pharisees who demand a sign from heaven.

The literary context of this single reference is important. In the parallel account in Matthew 15:39, the location is given as “Μαγαδάν” (Magadan) or “Magdala” in some manuscripts. This variation has led scholars to suggest several possibilities: that Dalmanutha was a small settlement within the larger region of Magadan/Magdala; that the two names represented the same place known by different names to different communities; or that they were neighboring locations close enough to each other that the distinction was not significant for the Gospel writers’ purposes.

• “Immediately He got into the boat with His disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha [Δαλμανουθά].” Mark 8:10

Cultural Insights

Archaeological excavations near Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee have uncovered a first-century harbor that some scholars propose might be associated with Dalmanutha. In 2013, archaeological finds at el-Araj (a potential site for Bethsaida) included pottery and architectural fragments dating to the time of Yeshua that could potentially align with the Dalmanutha mentioned in Mark. The presence of a harbor facility would explain why Yeshua and His disciples arrived there by boat.

The name Δαλμανουθά may potentially be connected to the Aramaic term “דלמן” (dalman) which relates to a harbor or place of shelter for boats. If this etymology is correct, it would strengthen the theory that Dalmanutha was primarily known as a landing place rather than a major settlement. This would align with the Gospel narrative that depicts Yeshua frequently crossing the Sea of Galilee and needing various docking locations along its shores from which to continue His ministry.

Theological Significance

Though mentioned only briefly, Dalmanutha’s position in the Gospel narrative carries theological significance. It appears at a pivotal point between Yeshua’s ministry to predominantly Gentile areas (the feeding of the four thousand) and His confrontation with Jewish religious authorities who demand a sign. This geographical transition mirrors the theological tension in Mark’s Gospel between Yeshua’s universal mission and the growing opposition from religious leaders.

The obscurity of Dalmanutha itself may carry symbolic weight. Throughout the Gospels, Yeshua often ministers in small, overlooked places rather than centers of power like Jerusalem or Rome. Dalmanutha exemplifies how Yahweh’s redemptive work through His Messiah often unfolds in humble, seemingly insignificant locations. Just as the Lord told Samuel that “people look at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), so too His Messiah brings the Kingdom not to impressive cities but to ordinary places like Dalmanutha, demonstrating that God’s presence sanctifies even the most overlooked corners of creation.

Personal Application

The mystery surrounding Dalmanutha reminds us that God’s work often happens in places that history might forget or overlook. Just as this obscure location became the setting for a crucial moment in Yeshua’s ministry, so might our own seemingly insignificant circumstances become sacred ground where God reveals Himself. We need not be in famous cities or renowned institutions to experience profound encounters with the living God.

Moreover, Dalmanutha’s position between the feeding miracle and the confrontation with skeptical Pharisees mirrors our own spiritual journey. We often move between moments of abundance and provision (like the feeding of the four thousand) and seasons of testing and opposition (like the Pharisees’ demand for a sign). In both circumstances, Yeshua remains present and purposeful, using each setting—whether marked by blessing or challenge—to reveal God’s character and purposes.

Related Words

• Μαγαδάν (Magadan) [mah-gah-DAHN] – The place name mentioned in Matthew’s parallel account, possibly another name for the same region or a neighboring locality. Appears only once in the New Testament. See G3093
• Μαγδαλά (Magdala) [mag-dah-LAH] – A more well-known town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, hometown of Mary Magdalene, and possibly related to or encompassing Dalmanutha. See G3094
• Γεννησαρέτ (Gennesaret) [ghen-nay-sah-RET] – Another region along the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee where Yeshua performed miracles. Unlike the obscure Dalmanutha, Gennesaret is mentioned multiple times in the Gospels. See G1082
• Καπερναούμ (Capernaum) [kah-per-nah-OOM] – Often called Yeshua’s “own city,” a major center of His Galilean ministry located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, not far from where Dalmanutha is thought to have been. See G2584
• Βηθσαϊδά (Bethsaida) [bayth-sah-ee-DAH] – A fishing village on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip, and another location where Yeshua performed miracles. See G966

Did you Know?

• Did you know? In 2019, archaeologists Ken Dark and Damian Pelham from the University of Reading suggested that a site near Migdal (ancient Magdala) with extensive Roman-period remains could potentially be identified as Dalmanutha. Their excavations revealed a substantial harbor structure, pottery, coins, and architectural elements dating to the first century CE, corresponding to the time of Yeshua’s ministry.
• Did you know? The variation between “Dalmanutha” in Mark and “Magadan” in Matthew reflects a common phenomenon in ancient Palestinian geography, where places often had different names in different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) or different names used by Jewish and Gentile populations. This multilingual environment explains why many locations in the Gospels appear under variant names.
• Did you know? Some rabbinic sources mention a place called “צלמונה” (Tsalmona) near the Sea of Galilee, which some scholars have proposed might be related to Dalmanutha based on phonetic similarities. If this connection is valid, the name would derive from the Hebrew root צלם, meaning “shadow” or “image,” possibly referring to a location sheltered by cliffs or trees that cast shadows on the shore of the lake.

Remember This

Dalmanutha reminds us that God’s profound work often unfolds in overlooked places, teaching us to recognize divine presence not in the prominence of our circumstances but in the purpose Yahweh accomplishes through them.