Topical Encyclopedia The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret or the Sea of Tiberias, is a freshwater lake in the northeastern region of Israel. It holds significant historical, geographical, and theological importance within the biblical narrative. The lake is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, with a maximum depth of around 141 feet. It is situated about 700 feet below sea level, making it the lowest freshwater lake on Earth.Biblical Significance: The Sea of Galilee is prominently featured in the New Testament, serving as 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. The Gospel of Matthew records this calling: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen" (Matthew 4:18). The lake is also the site of several of Jesus' miracles. One of the most well-known is the calming of the storm, where Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves, demonstrating His authority over nature. The Gospel of Mark recounts this event: "Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm" (Mark 4:39). Another significant miracle is the feeding of the five thousand, which took place on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd, as described in the Gospel of John: "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated, as much as they wanted; and He did the same with the fish" (John 6:11). Geographical and Historical Context: The Sea of Galilee is fed by the Jordan River, which flows from the north and exits to the south, continuing its journey to the Dead Sea. The surrounding region is characterized by fertile plains and hills, making it an ideal location for agriculture and fishing, which were the primary occupations of its inhabitants during biblical times. In the first century, the lake was also known as the Sea of Tiberias, named after the city of Tiberias, which was founded by Herod Antipas and served as a major urban center on the western shore. This name is mentioned in the Gospel of John: "After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias)" (John 6:1). Theological Reflection: The Sea of Galilee serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' ministry and His divine authority. It is a place where the natural and the supernatural intersect, illustrating the transformative power of Christ's presence. The events that occurred on and around the lake highlight themes of faith, provision, and the call to discipleship. In summary, the Sea of Galilee is a central location in the Gospel narratives, rich with historical and spiritual significance. It remains a testament to the life and works of Jesus, inviting believers to reflect on His teachings and miracles that continue to inspire faith and devotion. Nave's Topical Index John 21:1After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself. Nave's Topical Index Greek 5085. Tiberias -- Tiberias, a city of Galilee, also another name ... ... Tiberias, a city of Galilee, also another name for the Sea of Galilee (NG1056) NASB Word ... From Tiberios; Tiberias, the name of a town and a lake in Palestine ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5085.htm - 6k 1082. Gennesaret -- Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the ... Library The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias. Appearance at Sea of Galilee. Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was. In Galilee. The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ] In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him. Of the Situation of Tiberias. A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Resources What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Galileans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Galilee: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Galilee: Christ: Appeared In, to his Disciples After his Resurrection Galilee: Christ: Brought up In Galilee: Christ: Chose his Apostles From Galilee: Christ: Commenced, and Wrought Many Miracles In Galilee: Christ: Despised As of Galilee: Christ: Followed by the People of Galilee: Christ: Kindly Received In Galilee: Christ: Ministered to by Women of Galilee: Christ: Preached Throughout Galilee: Christ: Preaching In, Predicted Galilee: Christ: Sought Refuge In Galilee: Christian Churches Established In Galilee: Conquered by the Assyrians Galilee: Conquered by the Syrians Galilee: Inhabitants of Called Galilaeans Galilee: Inhabitants of Cruelly Treated by Pilate Galilee: Inhabitants of Despised by the Jews Galilee: Inhabitants of Opposed the Roman Taxation Galilee: Inhabitants of Used a Peculiar Dialect Galilee: Jurisdiction of, Granted to Herod by the Romans Galilee: Kadesh the City of Refuge For Galilee: Lake of Gennesaret, Called the Sea of Galilee: Modern Towns of Accho or Ptolemais Galilee: Modern Towns of Bethsaida Galilee: Modern Towns of Caesarea Galilee: Modern Towns of Caesarea Philippi Galilee: Modern Towns of Capernaum Galilee: Modern Towns of Chorazin Galilee: Modern Towns of Nazareth Galilee: Modern Towns of Tiberias Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Lake of Gennesaret Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Sea of Chinnereth Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Sea of Chinneroth Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Sea of Tiberias Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Jesus Calls Disciples on the Shore of Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Jesus Teaches from a Ship On Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Miracles of Jesus On Galilee: Separated from Judea by Samaria Galilee: Supplied Tyre With Provisions Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: A City of Refuge In Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Called Galilee of the Nations Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Called Gennesaret Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Cities In, Given to Hiram Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Congregations In Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Dialect of Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Disciples Were Chiefly From Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Herod (Antipas), Tetrarch of Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Jesus Resides In Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: People of, Receive Jesus Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Prophecy Concerning Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Routes From, to Judaea Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Taken by King of Assyria Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Teaching and Miracles of Jesus In Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Women From, Ministered to Jesus Galilee: Twenty Cities of, Given to Hiram Galilee: Upper Part of, Called Galilee of the Gentiles Related Terms |
    |