"And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala."
Biblical Name · Aramaic Origin
Magdala Meaning in the Bible
Magdala
girl
Magdala means "Tower; Elevated; Great", a girl's name of Aramaic origin. Magdala appears in the King James Bible, and Matthew 15:39 is the passage most often tied to it. Magdala — 'tower' — became synonymous with faithful witness through Mary Magdalene. The name reminds us that our identity and origin can become elevated through devoted service to Christ.
Is Magdala in the Bible?
Yes — Magdala appears in the King James Bible, including Matthew 15:39.
Pronunciation:/MAG-duh-luh/
OriginAramaic
MeaningTower; Elevated; Great
What does Magdala mean?
Magdala is a girl name of Aramaic origin meaning "Tower; Elevated; Great". Magdala means "tower" or "elevated" in Aramaic. It was the hometown of Mary Magdalene on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
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What does Magdala mean in the Bible?
Magdala means "Tower; Elevated; Great" and is a name of Aramaic origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Magdala means "tower" or "elevated" in Aramaic. It was the hometown of Mary Magdalene on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. While technically a place name, it has been used as a given name due to its association with one of the most faithful women in the Gospels.
The town of Magdala was known for its fishing industry and as a center of commerce. Archaeological excavations have revealed a first-century synagogue there — possibly one Jesus visited during His Galilean ministry.
The name Magdala carries the spiritual resonance of its most famous resident. Mary Magdalene — Mary "of Magdala" — was the first witness of the resurrection, making her hometown's name forever associated with the dawn of Christianity's central event.
Where does Magdala appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Magdala is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with Matthew 15:39. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre."
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What are the variants and nicknames of Magdala?
Magdala has 1 recorded variant, short form, and translation across languages and biblical traditions.
Variants & related forms
Which books of the Bible mention Magdala?
Magdala is mentioned across 4 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Magdala?
Magdala — 'tower' — became synonymous with faithful witness through Mary Magdalene. The name reminds us that our identity and origin can become elevated through devoted service to Christ.
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Promises connected to the meaning of the name Magdala:
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What names are related to Magdala?
Names like Magdala
Other Aramaic biblical names that share the spirit of "Tower; Elevated; Great" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Magdala
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Magdala
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Magdala name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Magdala appears in the King James Bible, including Matthew 15:39.
Magdala means "Tower; Elevated; Great." It is an Aramaic name. The King James Bible uses it in Matthew 15:39, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Aramaic. Magdala comes into English from Aramaic and carries the sense "Tower; Elevated; Great." It appears in the King James Bible, including Matthew 15:39.
Common questions about the name Magdala
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Magdala?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Magdala?
You can read every verse where Magdala appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.