Lexical Summary Gennésaret: Gennesaret Original Word: Γεννησαρέτ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gennesaret. Of Hebrew origin (compare Kinnrowth); Gennesaret (i.e. Kinnereth), a lake and plain in Palestine -- Gennesaret. see HEBREW Kinnrowth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin, cf. Kinaroth Definition Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the Sea of Galilee NASB Translation Gennesaret (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1082: ΓεννησαρέτΓεννησαρέτ (so G T Tr WH), Γεννησαρεθ (Lachmann in Matthew 14:34) (Γενησαρετ Rec. in Mark 6:58; cf. Tdf. edition 2 Proleg., p. xxxv., edition 7 Proleg., p. liv. note{3}) (Targums גֲּנֵיסַר or גִּנּוסַר (according to Delitzsch (Römerbr. in d. Hebrew übers., p. 27) גִּנֵּיסַר, גִּנּוּסַר; Γεννησαρ, 1 Macc. 11:67; Josephus, b. j. 2, 20, 6 etc.; Genesara, Pliny, 5, 15), Gennesaret, a very lovely and fertile region on the Sea of Galilee (Josephus, b. j. 3, 10, 7): ἡ γῆ Γεννησαρέτ Matthew 14:34; Mark 6:53; ἡ λίμνη Γεννησαρέτ Luke 5:1, anciently כִּנֶּרֶת יָם, Numbers 34:11, or כִּנֲּרות יָם, Joshua 12:3, from the city כִּנֶּרֶת, Deuteronomy 3:17, which was near by; called in the Gospels ἡ θάλασσα τῆς Γαλιλαίας, Mark 1:16; Matthew 4:18; ἡ θάλασσα τῆς Τιβεριάδος, John 6:1; John 21:1. The lake, according to Josephus, b. j. 3, 10, 7, is 140 stadia long and 40 wide; (its extreme dimensions now are said to average 12 1/4 miles by 6 3/4 miles, and its level to be nearly 700 feet below that of the Mediterranean). Cf. Rüetschi in Herzog v., p. 6f; Furrer in Schenkel ii., p. 322ff; (Wilson in The Recovery of Jerusalem, Part ii.; Robinson, Phys. Geog. of the Holy Land, p. 199ff; BB. DD. For conjectures respecting the derivation of the word cf. Alex.'s Kitto under the end; Merrill, Galilee in the Time of Christ, § vii.). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting of Gennesaret Gennesaret denotes the fertile plain that stretches for roughly three miles along the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Bounded by the rising hills of Naphtali on the west and washed by the fresh waters of the lake on the east, the plain is celebrated in both Jewish and later historical sources for its mild climate, abundant springs, and astonishing productivity. Josephus wrote that it produced “every fruit” in profusion and that its temperate air allowed for continuous harvests. Numerous thermal and cold springs join to form streams that empty into the lake, creating a natural irrigation system. The plain’s prominence made its name a convenient designation not only for the shoreline but for the entire lake itself, hence “Lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1) as an alternate title for “Sea of Galilee” or “Sea of Tiberias.” Old Testament Background The Hebrew equivalent, often rendered “Kinnereth” or “Chinnereth,” appears in Joshua 19:35 and 1 Kings 15:20 as part of the inheritance of Naphtali and as a strategic fortified site. Because the Hebrew word for “harp” (kinnor) resembles the shoreline’s shape, ancient writers linked the name to the instrument. This linguistic continuity underscores the providential consistency between the Testaments: the very land apportioned to Israel later becomes a stage for the Messiah’s works. New Testament Occurrences 1. Matthew 14:34 – “When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.” The first two passages record the aftermath of Jesus’ walking on the water and calming the storm. The third recounts the miraculous catch of fish that preceded the calling of Peter, James, and John. Each setting at Gennesaret carries unique ministry emphases yet converges on Christ’s mastery over creation and His compassionate engagement with ordinary people. Ministry at Gennesaret • Healing and Compassion: Mark adds that when Jesus disembarked at Gennesaret “people recognized Him, and ran through that whole region” (Mark 6:54-55). The plain became a temporary open-air hospital where the sick touched “even the fringe of His cloak” and were made well. The scene exemplifies Isaiah’s vision of Messiah bearing our infirmities. Theological Significance 1. Incarnational Nearness: The fertile plain symbolizes the bounty that results when the Creator walks among His creation. Physical healing and abundant fish serve as living parables of spiritual abundance available in Christ. Historical Witness and Later Tradition Early pilgrims identified the area near present-day Ginosar as the site of the New Testament events. Archaeological finds—including the so-called “Jesus Boat” discovered in 1986—demonstrate the type of vessel that would have ferried Jesus and the disciples across the lake. Rabbinic literature continues to laud the plain’s fertility, corroborating the biblical portrayal of the region’s fruitfulness. Practical Reflections for Believers Today • Trust in Christ’s Sovereignty: Just as He brought the boat to shore at Gennesaret, He brings His people through life’s storms to appointed destinations. Summary Gennesaret stands as more than a geographical footnote; it is a living testimony of Jesus’ authority over nature, His compassion toward the needy, and His power to transform ordinary lives for extraordinary mission. Its fertile soil provided a fitting backdrop for demonstrations of the Kingdom that continues to bear fruit wherever the Gospel goes forth. Forms and Transliterations Γεννησαρετ Γεννησαρέτ Γεννησαρὲτ Gennesaret Gennesarét Gennesarèt Gennēsaret Gennēsarét GennēsarètLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 14:34 NGRK: γῆν εἰς Γεννησαρέτ NAS: they came to land at Gennesaret. KJV: into the land of Gennesaret. INT: land of Gennesaret Mark 6:53 N Luke 5:1 N |
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