Lexical Summary Magdaléné: Magdalene Original Word: Μαγδαληνή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Magdalene. Feminine of a derivative of Magdala; a female Magdalene, i.e. Inhabitant of Magdala -- Magdalene. see GREEK Magdala NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of Magdalénos Definition Magdalene, of Magdala, a place on the coast of the Sea of Galilee near Tiberias NASB Translation Magdalene (12). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3094: ΜαγδαληνήΜαγδαληνή, Μαγδαληνης, ἡ (Μαγδαλά, which see), Magdalene, a woman of Magdala: Matthew 27:56, 61; Matthew 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; Mark 16:1, 9; Luke 8:2; Luke 24:10; John 19:25; John 20:1, 18. Topical Lexicon Name and Origin The designation “Magdalene” identifies Mary as a woman from Magdala, a fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The epithet distinguishes her from the other Marys in the Gospels and hints at her Galilean roots, which placed her within the circle of Jesus’ earliest ministry. Deliverance and Discipleship Luke records the turning point in Mary’s life: “Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2). Her complete liberation illustrates the Messiah’s authority over the powers of darkness and becomes the backdrop for her unwavering devotion. Having experienced such deliverance, she joined the traveling band that “were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:3). This makes her one of the earliest examples of a lay disciple who combined practical service with personal loyalty to Christ. Presence at the Crucifixion Unlike most of the Twelve, Mary Magdalene remained near the cross. Matthew notes, “Among them were Mary Magdalene…” (Matthew 27:56), while John singles her out beside the mother of Jesus: “Near the cross of Jesus stood…Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). Her courage underlines the truth that genuine discipleship perseveres when circumstances turn hostile. Her presence also provides eyewitness testimony that Jesus truly died, a detail crucial to apostolic preaching. Witness to the Burial Both Matthew and Mark emphasize that Mary “saw where He was laid” (Mark 15:47; cf. Matthew 27:61). This detail ensures continuity between the burial and resurrection narratives: the same women who watched the interment later found the tomb empty. Their careful observation rules out accusations of mistaken location and supports the historicity of the resurrection account. First Witness of the Resurrection All four Gospels present Mary Magdalene at the tomb early on the first day of the week. Mark states, “He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons” (Mark 16:9). John supplies the fullest report: “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’” (John 20:18). That the risen Christ entrusted His initial appearance and commission to a woman—one formerly afflicted by demons—highlights divine grace and subverts first-century social conventions that discounted female testimony. Her message becomes the bridge between the empty tomb and the apostolic proclamation, earning her the traditional description “apostle to the apostles,” though Scripture never places her among the Twelve. Role Among the Women In every list Mary Magdalene comes first (Matthew 27:56; 28:1; Mark 15:40; 16:1; Luke 24:10; John 20:1), pointing to recognized leadership within the female contingent. Yet the texts show cooperative ministry rather than hierarchy: she acts alongside “Mary the mother of James,” Salome, Joanna, and “the others with them.” Together they model communal fidelity, financial partnership, and witness. Doctrinal and Practical Significance 1. Salvation’s reach. Mary’s transformation from demonic oppression to Spirit-empowered witness illustrates the comprehensive scope of redemption. Historical Reception and Traditions Early church writers praised Mary’s fidelity but did not conflate her with the sinful woman of Luke 7 or with Mary of Bethany. That identification arose in some Western sermons centuries later and was resisted in the Eastern tradition. Regardless of later conflations, the canonical picture remains clear: Mary Magdalene’s significance lies not in speculation about past sins but in her documented devotion and testimony. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • No prior bondage is too strong for Christ’s liberating power. Forms and Transliterations Μαγδαληνη Μαγδαληνή Μαγδαληνὴ Μαγδαληνῇ Magdalene Magdalenḗ Magdalenḕ Magdalēnē Magdalēnḗ Magdalēnḕ Magdalenêi Magdalēnē̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:56 N-NFSGRK: Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία NAS: them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary KJV: was Mary Magdalene, and Mary INT: Mary Magdalene and Mary Matthew 27:61 N-NFS Matthew 28:1 N-NFS Mark 15:40 N-NFS Mark 15:47 N-NFS Mark 16:1 N-NFS Mark 16:9 N-DFS Luke 8:2 N-NFS Luke 24:10 N-NFS John 19:25 N-NFS John 20:1 N-NFS John 20:18 N-NFS |
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