Topical Bible: Sea Of Gennesaret

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sea of Gennesaret, 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 Sea of Tiberias and the Lake of Gennesaret. This freshwater lake is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, making it the largest freshwater lake in Israel. Its geographical and historical significance is underscored by its frequent mention in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels.

Biblical References and Significance

The Sea of Gennesaret is prominently featured in the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is the site of many of His teachings, miracles, and interactions with His disciples. The Gospel of Luke refers to it as the Lake of Gennesaret: "One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God" (Luke 5:1). This passage introduces the calling of the first disciples, where Jesus performs the miracle of the great catch of fish, leading Peter, James, and John to leave everything and follow Him.

The Sea of Gennesaret is also the setting for the miraculous event where Jesus walks on water. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea" (Matthew 14:25). This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over nature but also serves as a profound lesson in faith for His disciples.

Another significant event is the calming of the storm, where Jesus rebukes the winds and the waves, showcasing His power over creation: "Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm" (Matthew 8:26). This miracle reinforces the understanding of Jesus as the Son of God, who commands even the natural elements.

Geographical and Historical Context

The Sea of Gennesaret is situated in a basin surrounded by hills, which contributes to its unique weather patterns, including sudden storms. This geographical feature is reflected in the biblical accounts of storms that arise quickly on the lake, testing the faith of those present.

Historically, the region around the Sea of Gennesaret was densely populated and economically vibrant, with fishing being a primary industry. The towns of Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Tiberias, located along its shores, are frequently mentioned in the Gospels as places where Jesus taught and performed miracles.

Theological Implications

The Sea of Gennesaret serves as a backdrop for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles, symbolizing the intersection of the divine and the mundane. It is a place where the power and authority of Jesus are vividly displayed, affirming His identity as the Messiah. The events that occur on and around the Sea of Gennesaret highlight themes of faith, discipleship, and the kingdom of God, offering rich theological insights for believers.

In summary, the Sea of Gennesaret is more than just a geographical location; it is a pivotal setting in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, providing a canvas for His divine works and teachings that continue to inspire and instruct Christians today.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Sea Of Gennesaret

[See GALILEE, SEA OF, SEA OF]

Greek

1082. Gennesaret -- Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the ...
... Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the Sea of Galilee. Part of Speech: Proper
Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Gennesaret Phonetic Spelling: (ghen-nay ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1082.htm - 6k

Library

Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
... the Talmudic writers, this question ariseth: for there is not one among them, as
far as I know, which does not altogether define the sea of Gennesaret to be ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 71 within what tribe.htm

The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee.
... The tribe of Issachar held the south country of Galilee: some maps place it on the
south of the sea of Gennesaret, not illy: but it is ill done of them to ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 62 the disposition of.htm

Of the Situation of Tiberias.
... Consult the maps, and you see Tiberias in them seated, as it were, in the middle
shore of the sea of Gennesaret, equally distant almost from the utmost south ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 73 of the situation.htm

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
... "Seven seas (say they) have I created, saith God, and of them all I have chosen
none but the sea of Gennesaret." Which words, perhaps, were invented for the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 70 the lake of.htm

Cana
... was Julias Betharamphtha (of which afterward), which was seated on the further bank
of Jordan, there where it is now ready to flow into the sea of Gennesaret. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 90 cana.htm

The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers ...
... are said by Midras Tillim, do refer: "I have created seven seas, saith the Lord,
but out of them all I have chosen none, but the sea of Gennesaret.""And of ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 4 the seven seas.htm

Capernaum
... form the very limits, where the bounds of Zabulon and Nephthali did touch upon one
another,"namely, near the south coast of the sea of Gennesaret, which we ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 80 capernaum.htm

The Springing of the Great Light
... The territory of Zabulon lay in what is now called Lower Galilee, stretching right
across from the northern end of the Sea of Gennesaret to the coast of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the springing of the great.htm

Jesus Answered and Said unto Him, Get Thee Hence...
... [49] [436] And when the multitude gathered unto him to hear the word of God, while
he [50] was standing on the shore of the sea of Gennesaret, [437] he saw two ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section v jesus answered and.htm

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
... THE NIGHT OF MIRACLES ON THE LAKE OF GENNESARET. ... on the land,' but looking out into
the evening after them, as the ship was in the midst of the sea,' and they ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxx the night of.htm