Lexical Summary Kapernaoum: Capernaum Original Word: Καπερναούμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Capernaum. Of Hebrew origin (probably kaphar and Nachuwm); Capernaum (i.e. Caphanachum), a place in Palestine -- Capernaum. see HEBREW kaphar see HEBREW Nachuwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for Kapharnaoum, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2584: ΚαπερναούμΚαπερναούμ or more correctly (with L T Tr WH (cf. WHs Appendix, p. 160; Scrivener, Introduction, p. 561)) Καφαρναούμ (כָּפָר a village, and נָחוּם consolation; hence 'the village of consolation,' (others, 'village of Nachum' (a proper name)); Καπαρναουμ, Ptolemy, 5, 16, 4), ἡ, Capernaum or Capharnaum, a flourishing city of Galilee (Matthew 11:23; Luke 10:15), situated on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee or Lake of Gennesaret (John 6:17, 24; hence ἡ παραθαλασσια, Matthew 4:13), near the place where the Jordan flows into the lake. Being nowhere mentioned in the O. T. it seems to have been built after the exile (cf. also B. D. under the word STRONGS NT 2584: ΚαφαρναούμΚαφαρναούμ, see Καπερναούμ. Topical Lexicon Geographical and Historical Setting Capernaum lay on the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee, near the border between the tribal allotments of Zebulun and Naphtali. The village sat astride the Via Maris, the ancient international highway linking Egypt with Damascus, giving it strategic economic importance. Fishing, boatbuilding, and customs revenue made it comparatively prosperous. Excavations have uncovered a substantial basalt housing quarter and the foundation of an ornate white-limestone synagogue dating to the fourth century built atop an earlier first-century structure—very likely the synagogue in which Jesus regularly taught (Mark 1:21; John 6:59). Prophetic Background Matthew sees Jesus’ move to Capernaum as the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-2: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:15-16). Thus the town stands as the firstfruits of messianic light shining upon Galilee of the Gentiles. Base of Operations for Jesus After leaving Nazareth, “He went and lived in Capernaum” (Matthew 4:13). Mark later calls it “His own city” (Mark 2:1; compare Matthew 9:1). From this hub Jesus preached throughout Galilee, returning between journeys. The house of Simon and Andrew became a frequent lodging place (Mark 1:29; Luke 4:38). Miracles Performed in Capernaum • Healing of a demoniac in the synagogue (Mark 1:23-26; Luke 4:33-36) Teaching Ministry in the Synagogue and Houses John 6 records the Bread of Life discourse delivered in the synagogue: “He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum” (John 6:59). Here Jesus revealed the necessity of faith that feeds on Him, dividing true disciples from mere spectators (John 6:66). In a private house He taught the Twelve about servant leadership, placing a child in their midst (Mark 9:33-37). Faith Exemplified and Tested Capernaum produced shining examples of faith—the centurion, the friends of the paralytic, and Jairus—yet also a large group that marveled at miracles without repenting. Their superficial admiration becomes a sober warning. Rebuke and Prophetic Judgment “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will go down to Hades” (Matthew 11:23; Luke 10:15). The town that had witnessed unparalleled revelation was held to higher accountability. Jesus compares its fate unfavorably to Sodom. The ruins that remain today underscore the literal fulfillment of His words; no thriving city now stands where Capernaum once flourished. Contrast with Nazareth Where Nazareth rejected Jesus outright, Capernaum initially received Him, yet both towns illustrate the danger of familiarity breeding contempt. Knowledge alone cannot substitute for repentance and enduring faith. Implications for Discipleship 1. Proximity to gospel light entails responsibility. Legacy in Early Christianity Because Capernaum became the launching pad for Galilean evangelism, it influenced the missionary pattern of establishing strategic centers. The early church preserved the site, erecting a fourth-century octagonal memorial over what tradition held to be Peter’s house, testifying to the enduring impact of the events recorded in the Gospels. Summary Capernaum stands as both beacon and warning—privileged to host the earthly ministry of the Messiah, yet ultimately judged for failing to embrace the fullness of His revelation. Its account calls every reader of the Gospels to move beyond astonishment at Jesus’ works to wholehearted allegiance to His person. Forms and Transliterations Καφαρναουμ Καφαρναούμ Καφαρναοὺμ Kapharnaoum Kapharnaoúm KapharnaoùmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 4:13 NGRK: κατῴκησεν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ τὴν παραθαλασσίαν KJV: in Capernaum, which INT: he dwelt at Capernaum which [is] on the sea-side Matthew 8:5 N Matthew 11:23 N Matthew 17:24 N Mark 1:21 N Mark 2:1 N Mark 9:33 N Luke 4:23 N Luke 4:31 N Luke 7:1 N Luke 10:15 N John 2:12 N John 4:46 N John 6:17 N John 6:24 N John 6:59 N |
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