Mark 3:8

3:8 Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan River, and around Tyre and Sidon a great multitude came to him when they heard about the things he had done.

Mark 7:24

A Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith

7:24 After Jesus left there, he went to the region of Tyre. When he went into a house, he did not want anyone to know, but he was not able to escape notice.

Mark 7:31

Healing a Deaf Mute

7:31 Then Jesus went out again from the region of Tyre 10  and came through Sidon 11  to the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Decapolis. 12 


map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

tn “River” is not in the Greek text but is supplied for clarity. The region referred to here is sometimes known as Transjordan (i.e., “across the Jordan”).

map For location see Map1-A2; Map2-G2; Map4-A1; JP3-F3; JP4-F3.

sn These last two locations, Tyre and Sidon, represented an expansion outside of traditional Jewish territory. Jesus’ reputation continued to expand into new regions.

tn Grk “He”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

tc Most mss, including early and important witnesses (א A B Ë1,13 33 2427 Ï lat), have here καὶ Σιδῶνος (kai Sidwno", “and Sidon”). The Western text, as well as several other important mss (D L W Δ Θ 28 565 it), lack the words. Although the external evidence is on the side of inclusion, it is difficult to explain why scribes would omit the mention of Sidon. On the other hand, the parallels in v. 31 and Matt 15:21 would be sufficient motivation for scribes to add Sidon here. Furthermore, every other mention of Tyre in the Gospels is accompanied by Sidon, putting pressure on scribes to conform this text as well. The shorter reading therefore, though without compelling external evidence on its side, is strongly supported by internal evidence, rendering judgment on its authenticity fairly certain.

tn Grk “And.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

10 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

11 map For location see Map1-A2; Map2-G2; Map4-A1; JP3-F3; JP4-F3.

12 map For location see Map1-A1; JP3-F3; JP4-F3.

13 sn The Decapolis refers to a league of towns (originally consisting of ten; the Greek name literally means “ten towns”) whose region (except for Scythopolis) lay across the Jordan River.