Topical Encyclopedia The Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee, is a significant body of water in the biblical narrative, located in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is referred to by several names in the Scriptures, including the Lake of Gennesaret and the Sea of Kinnereth. The name "Sea of Tiberias" is derived from the nearby city of Tiberias, which was founded by Herod Antipas and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.Geographical Context: The Sea of Tiberias is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, with a maximum depth of around 141 feet. It is the largest freshwater lake in Israel and lies about 700 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying bodies of water on earth. The Jordan River flows through it, entering from the north and exiting to the south. Biblical Significance: The Sea of Tiberias holds considerable importance 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 several of His disciples, who were fishermen by trade, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John. 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 Sea of Tiberias is also the site of several of Jesus' miracles. One of the most notable is the calming of the storm, where Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves, demonstrating His authority over nature (Mark 4:35-41). Another significant miracle is the feeding of the five thousand, which took place on a hillside near the sea (John 6:1-14). In John 21, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. This encounter included the miraculous catch of fish and the reinstatement of Peter. The passage states: "Afterward, Jesus appeared again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way..." (John 21:1). Cultural and Historical Context: The Sea of Tiberias was a hub of economic activity in the region, with fishing being a primary industry. The surrounding area was densely populated with towns and villages, including Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Magdala, which are frequently mentioned in the Gospels. The city of Tiberias, located on the western shore, became an important center of Jewish learning in later centuries. Theological Reflections: The Sea of Tiberias serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' ministry and His divine authority. The events that took place on and around this body of water highlight His power over creation, His provision for His followers, and His call to discipleship. The sea's role in the Gospel narratives underscores the reality of Jesus' presence and His ability to bring peace and provision in the midst of life's storms. In summary, the Sea of Tiberias is a central geographical and theological element in the New Testament, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and His transformative impact on His disciples and the world. Smith's Bible Dictionary the Sea Of Tiberias(John 21:1) [GENNESARET, SEA OF, SEA OF] Greek 5085. Tiberias -- Tiberias, a city of Galilee, also another name ... ... Tiberias, a city of Galilee, also another name for the Sea of Galilee. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Tiberias Phonetic Spelling: (tib-er-ee-as ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5085.htm - 6k 3094. Magdalene -- Magdalene, of Magdala, a place on the coast of ... 2281. thalassa -- the sea 1082. Gennesaret -- Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the ... Library The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias. In Galilee. Of the Situation of Tiberias. Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was. Tiberias. The Appearance to the Seven by the Sea. How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up. Appearance at Sea of Galilee. The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers ... The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ] Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |