Mark 7:31Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the region of Decapolis.
The setting
Northern Israel/Southern Syria border, ~29 AD. Jesus travels through predominantly Gentile territory...
The emotion here: methodically documenting Jesus' expanding ministry
The original word
Dekapolis (Δεκαπόλεως) — Ten Cities, a league of Greek-Roman cities east of Jordan
Why it matters
The Decapolis was founded by Alexander the Great's generals and remained culturally Greek for 300 years
Read with care
What most readers miss in Mark 7:31
This route was deliberately chosen to minister to Gentiles, not Jews — Jesus was expanding His mission
Common misconceptionMost people skip this verse as just geography, but it shows Jesus intentionally ministering to non-Jewish regions — a radical expansion of His mission.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Mark 7:31
Bible Genome reading
Mark 7:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Mark 7:31 comes from the book of Mark, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Mark. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include movement, ministry. Notable phrases: departed; sea of Galilee; Decapolis.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same starting
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
— Genesis 1:1
“God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.”
— Genesis 1:3
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and t…”
— Acts 1:8
“Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receiv…”
— Acts 2:38
Your reflection
What does Mark 7:31 mean to you, today?
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