A play on words: Magdalene

 

Traditionally Magdala is believed to be the town from which Mary Magdalene came. Though the word itself does not explicitly occur in the biblical text, it does appear in footnotes.

And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.[a] – Mark 8:10 (ESV)

[a] Some manuscripts Magadan, or Magdala 

Like Paul of Tarsus or Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene is sometimes referred to as Mary of Magdala.

We know that Mary was a woman of means since she is mentioned as one of the women who financially supported Jesus and His twelve disciples as they went on through one town and village after another, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God (see Luke 8:3).

We know that Mary is mentioned more often than the other female followers of Jesus and is usually first on the list.

Mary…and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to them out of their own resources. (Luke 8:2, 3 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary endured the torment of seven demons until they were cast out by Jesus.

Mary…from whom seven demons had gone out (Luke 8:2 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary ardently followed Jesus in Galilee and ministered to Him.

Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, who followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him (Mark 15:40-41 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary was an eyewitness to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary was first to see the resurrected Christ.

Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (Mark 16:9 NRSVUE)

But did you know that Mary was actually called Magdalene? She was called Magdalene instead of Mary, like a home name. I have a friend named Corinne, but she’s called Sally and my friend Giselle is called Candace at home. So, Magdalene was probably her nickname. It is clearly stated in Luke 8:2: Mary, called Magdalene (NRSVUE) and in another version, Mary, who was called Magdalene (ERV).

But why?

Now, we know that Mary’s commitment and loyalty were unshakable; while others scattered, she remained stoic to the cause. Mary was no shirker; she was a dedicated follower devoted to her Rabbi right up until what was thought to be the end.

Without fear, she went to the tomb where she bravely responded to the “gardener”, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” (John 20:15 NRSVUE).

Mary was a courageous woman who overcame her demons; given the first apostolic charge by Jesus to announce His resurrection, she was a strong woman who stood her ground against those skeptical of her claim; she was a revolutionary who was instrumental in the formation of the early church.

So, it’s no wonder she was called Magdalene.

You see, beloved, Magdalene isn’t just a reference to a place, it’s derived from the Greek word “magdala”, a transliteration of the Hebrew and Aramaic, “migdala”, it is a word which means “tower” – Mary was called Tower.

It’s a play on words to not only inform where she was from but an apt expression of who she was.

Of all the disciples, Mary was the Tower, Mary was literally Magdalene. The Magdalene is our example of what true discipleship looks like.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A play on words: Magdalene” © 2026 October 20, 2026