Gennesaret is a fertile plain located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret. This region is noted for its rich soil and abundant agricultural produce, making it a significant area in biblical times. The name "Gennesaret" is derived from the Hebrew "Kinneret," which is also used to refer to the Sea of Galilee itself.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 14:34-36 : "When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding region. People brought all the sick to Him and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed." This passage highlights the region's recognition of Jesus' healing power and the faith of the people in Gennesaret.

2. Mark 6:53-56 : "When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat. As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus and ran through that whole region, carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. And wherever He went—into villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him to let them touch even the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed." This account parallels the narrative in Matthew, emphasizing the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry in the area.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Gennesaret is renowned for its natural beauty and productivity. The plain is approximately three miles long and one mile wide, bordered by the Sea of Galilee to the east. Its climate and fertile land made it an ideal location for agriculture, producing a variety of crops such as grains, olives, and fruits. The region's prosperity is often attributed to its favorable conditions and the presence of several springs that provided ample water supply.

In the time of Jesus, Gennesaret was a densely populated area with numerous villages and towns. Its strategic location along the Sea of Galilee made it a hub for trade and travel. The presence of Jesus in this region, as recorded in the Gospels, underscores its significance as a center for His ministry and the spread of His teachings.

Theological Significance:

The accounts of Jesus' activities in Gennesaret highlight His compassion and divine authority. The healing of the sick in this region serves as a testament to His power and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. The faith of the people in Gennesaret, who sought healing by merely touching the fringe of Jesus' cloak, reflects the deep spiritual hunger and recognition of Jesus as the promised Savior.

Gennesaret's mention in the Gospels also illustrates the broader theme of Jesus' ministry reaching diverse communities, transcending social and geographical boundaries. The region's response to Jesus' presence exemplifies the transformative impact of His message and the hope it brought to those in need.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological findings in the region of Gennesaret have provided valuable insights into the daily life and culture of its inhabitants during the time of Jesus. Excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient settlements, agricultural tools, and artifacts that shed light on the economic activities and social structures of the area.

The historical and cultural context of Gennesaret enriches our understanding of the biblical narratives, offering a glimpse into the world in which Jesus lived and ministered. The region's enduring legacy as a place of healing and divine encounter continues to inspire and resonate with believers today.GENNESARET, LAND OF

ge-nes'-a-ret he ge Gennesaret):

1. The Name:

The first syllable of the name Gennesaret is evidently the Hebrew gan, "garden"; while the second may be a proper name. Possibly, however, the name may represent the Hebrew ganne sarim, "princely gardens." It is applied to a district on the Northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:34 Mark 6:53), now known as el-Ghuweir, "little Ghor." It curves round from el-Mejdel in the South, to `Ain et-Tineh, or Khan Minyeh, in the North, a distance of over 3 miles, with an average breadth from the sea to the foot of the mountains of about a mile. The soil is deep, rich loam, of amazing fertility. In the South it is watered by the stream from Wady el-Chamam, the gorge that opens to the West of el-Mejdel.

2. Water:

The middle portion is supplied from `Ain el-Madawwerah, a copious fountain near the western edge of the plain, round which a wall has been built, to raise the level of the water; and from the perennial stream, Wady er-Rubadiyeh, which drives a mill before starting on its work of irrigation. Farther North, Wady el-`Amud brings down much water in the rainy season. The water from `Ain et-Tabgha was brought round the promontory at `Ain et-Tineh by a conduit cut in the rock. It was used to drive certain mills, and also to refresh the neighboring land. This seems to be the fountain called "Capharnaum" by Josephus (BJ, III, x, 8). This writer extols the productiveness of the plain. He says the "soil is so fruitful that all sorts of trees can grow upon it."

3. Fertility:

The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourish together here. "One may call this place the ambition of nature;. it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country; for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men's expectation, but preserves them a great while." He says that it supplies grapes and figs through ten months of the year, and other fruits as they ripen together throughout the year (same place). The fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment (Neubauer, Geog. du Talmud, 45).

Centuries of neglect made a sad change in the plain. It was largely overgrown with thorn-bushes, and it yielded one of the finest crops of thistles in the country. Cultivation was confined to the Southwest part; and the rest furnished grazing ground for a tribe of nomads. Recently the German Catholics made extensive purchases, including the village of el-Mejdel. Considerable portions have also passed into the hands of Jews. The land is almost entirely cleared, and it rewards the toil of the husbandman with all its ancient generosity.

W. Ewing

GENNESARET, LAKE OF

ge-nes'-a-ret

See GALILEE, SEA OF.

LAKE OF GENNESARET

ge-nes'-a-ret.

See GALILEE, SEA OF.

Christian Ballads.
... of three stanzas that shaped itself in the mind of Mr. Robert Morris while sitting
over the ruins on the traditional site of Capernaum by the Lake of Genneseret ...
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Genneseret

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Gennes'aret (2 Occurrences)
Gennes'aret. Gennesaret, Gennes'aret. Genneseret . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Gennesaret, Gennes'aret. Genneseret . Reference Bible.
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Genneus

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