The term "sea-side" in biblical contexts often refers to the coastal regions adjacent to large bodies of water, such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and other significant water bodies mentioned in the Scriptures. These areas hold considerable importance in biblical narratives, serving as settings for pivotal events, teachings, and miracles.

Geographical Significance

1. Mediterranean Sea: Known as the "Great Sea" in the Bible, the Mediterranean Sea forms the western boundary of the Promised Land. It was a crucial route for trade and travel, influencing the cultural and economic life of the Israelites. The coastal cities, such as Tyre and Sidon, were significant centers of commerce and interaction with other nations.

2. Sea of Galilee: Also known as the Sea of Tiberias or Lake Gennesaret, the Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in northern Israel. It is a central location in the Gospels, where Jesus performed many miracles and taught the crowds. The sea-side here is particularly noted for events such as the calling of the first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22) and the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44).

3. Red Sea: The Red Sea is famously associated with the Exodus narrative, where God parted the waters to allow the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:21-31). This miraculous event at the sea-side is a testament to God's deliverance and power.

Biblical Events and Teachings

1. Jesus' Ministry: The sea-side served as a backdrop for much of Jesus' ministry. In Mark 4:1, it is recorded, "Again Jesus began to teach by the sea, and such a large crowd gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people crowded along the shore." The sea-side provided a natural amphitheater for Jesus to address large crowds.

2. Miracles: Several of Jesus' miracles occurred by the sea-side, demonstrating His authority over nature and His compassion for people. Notable miracles include calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41) and walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).

3. Post-Resurrection Appearances: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. In John 21:1-14, Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish and reinstates Peter, emphasizing His continued presence and guidance for His followers.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The sea-side in biblical literature often symbolizes transition, revelation, and divine encounter. It is a place where the boundary between the known and the unknown is navigated, reflecting the spiritual journey of faith. The sea-side settings in the Bible invite believers to witness God's power, receive His teachings, and experience His presence in their lives.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient times, the sea-side was a place of both opportunity and danger. It offered resources and trade routes but also posed threats from storms and foreign invasions. The biblical narratives set by the sea-side often reflect these dual aspects, portraying God's sovereignty over creation and His protection of His people.

The sea-side remains a powerful symbol in Christian thought, representing the vastness of God's creation and the depth of His love and provision for humanity.2348. choph -- shore, coast
... coast of the sea, haven, shore, seaside. From an unused root meaning to cover; a
cove (as a sheltered bay) -- coast (of the sea), haven, shore, (sea-)side. ...
/hebrew/2348.htm - 6k

Off Duty
... To assist them, the authorities have instituted Homes of Rest at pleasant seaside
resorts; at these institutions, for a very moderate charge, under good ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/xiv off duty.htm

The Call and Feast of Levi
... Mark CHAPTER 2:13-17 THE CALL AND FEAST OF LEVI. "And He went forth again by the
seaside; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 2 13-17 the call and.htm

The Touch of Faith
... He remained by the seaside for a time, teaching and healing, and then repaired
to the house of Levi-Matthew to meet the publicans at the feast. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 36 the touch of.htm

Of the Words which were Spoken Out of the Ship on the Subject of ...
... thus: "In that day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the seaside: and great ...
In that day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side; and great ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xli of the words which.htm

Combination Illustrated.
... 13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto
him, and he taught them.14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alph??us ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/combination illustrated.htm

The First Great Group of Parables.
... There are several indications in the gospel narratives that this is so], and sat
by the sea side. ^b 1 And again he began again to teach by the sea side. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/liv the first great group.htm

Peter and the Roman Officer
... He is staying with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." When the angel
who spoke to him had gone away, Cornelius called two of his household ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/peter and the roman officer.htm

How Titus Exhibited all Sorts of Shows at Cesarea Philippi. ...
... But as for Titus, he marched from that Cesarea which lay by the sea-side, and came
to ... when he was come back to that Cesarea which was on the seaside, who gave ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus exhibited.htm

Acts x. 4-Jan
... "And the same," saith he, "is lodging with one Simon a tanner, who hath his house
by the seaside." (v.6.) Do you mark how the Apostles, for love of solitude ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxii acts x 4-jan.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... 6. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side: he shall ... A
lodger in a tan-yard by the seaside was certainly not a man of position or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

Seaside (12 Occurrences)
...Seaside (12 Occurrences). Matthew 13:1 On that day Jesus went out of the house,
and sat by the seaside. (WEB BBE). Mark 2:13 He went out again by the seaside. ...
/s/seaside.htm - 10k

Sea-side (7 Occurrences)
Sea-side. Seaside, Sea-side. Season . Multi-Version Concordance Sea-side (7
Occurrences). ... (WBS). Seaside, Sea-side. Season . Reference Bible.
/s/sea-side.htm - 8k

Beside (326 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Matthew 13:1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the
seaside. (See RSV). ... (See NIV). Mark 2:13 He went out again by the seaside. ...
/b/beside.htm - 36k

Lodgeth (13 Occurrences)
... Lodgeth (13 Occurrences). Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house
is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. ...
/l/lodgeth.htm - 9k

Lodges (14 Occurrences)
... Lodges (14 Occurrences). Acts 10:6 He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house
is by the seaside. ... He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. ...
/l/lodges.htm - 10k

Tanner (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:6 He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. ...
He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. ...
/t/tanner.htm - 11k

Sat (222 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV). Matthew 13:1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and
sat by the seaside. ... Mark 4:1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. ...
/s/sat.htm - 36k

Lodge (64 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:6 He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. ...
He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. ...
/l/lodge.htm - 29k

Gathered (384 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark 2:13 He went out again by the seaside. ...
(See NAS NIV). Mark 4:1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. ...
/g/gathered.htm - 35k

Large (235 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:13 He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he
taught them. (See NIV). ... Mark 4:1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. ...
/l/large.htm - 34k

Did the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does Revelation mean when it says, “There was no longer any sea”? | GotQuestions.org

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