Magdala / Migdal Synagogue

by

Magdala / Migdal Synagogue

What It Is

Magdala (also Migdal, “Tower”) was a first-century Jewish town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, about 5 km north of Tiberias. Excavations begun in 2006 and 2009 uncovered a well-preserved Second Temple-period synagogue and the famous Magdala Stone, carved with a seven-branched menorah.

Why It Matters

  • Magdala is widely identified as the home of Mary Magdalene (Mary of Magdala), a follower of Jesus mentioned in all four Gospels.
  • The synagogue is one of the oldest found in Galilee and one of only a few securely dated to the Second Temple period (before 70 C.E.).
  • The Magdala Stone, a carved stone block found in the synagogue’s center, depicts the menorah and other Temple imagery, showing synagogue worship focused on Jerusalem and the Temple.

The Site

  • Settlement began in the Hellenistic period (2nd–1st century B.C.E.) and continued into the late Roman period.
  • The first synagogue dates to approximately 50 B.C.E.–100 C.E., squarely within Jesus’ lifetime.
  • A second Second-Temple-period synagogue was discovered in 2021 — the first time two such synagogues have been found at one site.
  • The town was destroyed by the Romans during the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 C.E.).

KJV Connection

> “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” — Mark 16:9 (KJV)

> “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils…” — Luke 8:2 (KJV)

  • Magdala provides the archaeological background for Mary Magdalene’s hometown.
  • The synagogue shows that first-century Galilean Jews gathered in purpose-built assembly halls for prayer and Torah reading — the very setting of many Gospel scenes.

Sources

  • Wikipedia — Magdala: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala
  • Magdala Archaeological Park: https://www.magdala.org/en/
  • Israel Antiquities Authority reports on the 2006–2013 excavations.
  • Articles in Biblical Archaeology Review on the Magdala Stone and synagogue.

Notes

  • The exact link between Mary Magdalene and this specific town is traditional rather than explicitly stated in the New Testament.
  • The Magdala Stone is the earliest known representation of a seven-branched menorah from a synagogue context outside Jerusalem.

Leave a Comment