Topical Bible: Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Sea of Chinnereth

◄ Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Sea of Chinnereth ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret, the Sea of Tiberias, and historically referred to as the Sea of Chinnereth, is a significant body of water in the biblical narrative. This freshwater lake is located in the northeastern region of Israel, nestled within the Jordan Rift Valley. It is approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) long and 8 miles (13 kilometers) wide, making it the largest freshwater lake in Israel and the second-lowest lake in the world, after the Dead Sea.

Biblical Significance

The Sea of Galilee holds considerable importance in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, it is referred to as the Sea of Chinnereth. The name "Chinnereth" is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word for "harp," possibly due to the lake's harp-like shape. In Numbers 34:11, the Sea of Chinnereth is mentioned as part of the boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites: "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."

In the New Testament, the Sea of Galilee is the backdrop for many events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is here that Jesus called His first disciples, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen by trade (Matthew 4:18-22). The lake is also the setting for several of Jesus' miracles, including the calming of the storm (Mark 4:35-41) and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44).

One of the most well-known miracles associated with the Sea of Galilee is Jesus walking on water. In Matthew 14:25-26, it is recorded: "During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost!' they said, and they cried out in fear."

Geographical and Historical Context

The Sea of Galilee is fed primarily by the Jordan River, which flows from the north and exits to the south. The surrounding region is characterized by fertile plains and hills, making it an area rich in agriculture and fishing, both of which were vital to the local economy during biblical times.

Historically, the lake has been a hub of activity and trade, with several towns and villages situated along its shores, including Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Tiberias. These locations are frequently mentioned in the Gospels as places where Jesus taught and performed miracles.

Theological Reflections

The Sea of Galilee serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' authority over nature and His ability to provide for the needs of His followers. The events that took place on and around the lake highlight themes of faith, discipleship, and divine provision. The calming of the storm, for instance, is often interpreted as a demonstration of Jesus' divine power and a call for believers to trust in His sovereignty, even amidst life's tempests.

In summary, the Sea of Galilee is a central geographical and spiritual landmark in the biblical narrative. Its waters witnessed the unfolding of key moments in Jesus' ministry, offering lessons and insights that continue to resonate with believers today.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 34:11
And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach to the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 3:17
The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even to the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 13:27
And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even to the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
... Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John 6:1 ... the region of Scythopolis
to the Dead Sea; on that ... along from the town Gennabrin to the lake Asphaltites ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 70 the lake of.htm

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... then a prosperous trade on the lake of Galilee.] ^b 17 ... souls are fish, the world
is the sea, the gospel ... of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm

Philip and the Desposyni
... He found it infinitely less difficult to realise the true teaching of Christ on
the shores of Galilee than in ... It gleamed"His lake"the Sea of Chinnereth ...
/.../chapter lxiv philip and the.htm