Chin'nereth is a term found in the Old Testament, referring to both a city and a body of water in the region of ancient Israel. The name is sometimes rendered as "Chinneroth" or "Kinnereth" in various translations. The term is significant in biblical geography and history, particularly in the context of the Israelite settlement and the tribal allotments.

Geographical Significance:

1. City of Chin'nereth: The city of Chin'nereth is mentioned in the context of the tribal territories of Israel. It is located in the region allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. In Joshua 19:35 , the city is listed among the fortified cities of Naphtali: "The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth." This indicates its importance as a strategic location in the northern part of the Promised Land.

2. Sea of Chin'nereth: The term is also used to describe the body of water known as the Sea of Galilee. In Numbers 34:11 , the boundary description of the land includes the Sea of Chinnereth: "The border will go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth." This lake is a significant geographical feature in the region, known for its role in the ministry of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, although it is more commonly referred to as the Sea of Galilee in the Gospels.

Historical and Theological Context:

The city and the sea of Chin'nereth hold historical importance as part of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of this region to the tribe of Naphtali underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Israelites, as they took possession of the land under the leadership of Joshua.

The Sea of Chin'nereth, or the Sea of Galilee, is particularly noteworthy in biblical narratives. It is the site of many of Jesus' miracles and teachings, including the calming of the storm (Mark 4:35-41) and the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44). The sea's mention in the Old Testament as Chin'nereth connects the historical and prophetic significance of the land with the life and ministry of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

Etymology and Interpretation:

The name "Chin'nereth" is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word "kinnor," meaning "harp" or "lyre," possibly referring to the harp-like shape of the lake. This etymology reflects the ancient practice of naming geographical features based on their physical characteristics.

In summary, Chin'nereth serves as a vital link between the Old Testament history of Israel and the New Testament accounts of Jesus' ministry. Its dual reference to both a city and a sea underscores the interconnectedness of the land and its people in the biblical narrative.Chin'nereth (4 Occurrences)

Numbers 34:11
and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall strike upon the slope of the sea of Chinnereth eastward;
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 3:17
the Arabah also, the Jordan being the border thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, under the slopes of Pisgah eastward.
(See RSV)

Joshua 13:27
and in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan being the border thereof, unto the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward.
(See RSV)

Joshua 19:35
And the fortified cities were Ziddim-zer, and Hammath, and Rakkath, and Chinnereth;
(See RSV)

Chin'nereth (4 Occurrences)
Chin'nereth. Chinnereth, Chin'nereth. Chinneroth . Multi-Version
Concordance Chin'nereth (4 Occurrences). Numbers 34:11 and the ...
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Chinneroth (3 Occurrences)

/c/chinneroth.htm - 8k

Chinnereth (4 Occurrences)

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