Topical Bible: Sea of Tiberias

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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).

One of the most notable miracles performed by Jesus on the Sea of Tiberias is the calming of the storm. As recorded in the Gospel of Mark, "A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?' Then Jesus 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 4:37-39).

Another significant event is the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which took place on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias. The Gospel of John recounts, "After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick" (John 6:1-2). This miracle demonstrated Jesus' compassion and divine provision, as He multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed the multitude.

Post-Resurrection Appearance:

The Sea of Tiberias is also the setting for one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. In John 21, Jesus appears to His disciples while they are fishing, leading to the miraculous catch of 153 fish. This event reaffirms His identity and mission, as well as His continued presence with His followers. "Afterward, Jesus appeared again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together" (John 21:1-2).

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 and culturally diverse, influenced by both Jewish and Hellenistic traditions. The city of Tiberias, located on the western shore, was a center of political and social life during the time of Jesus.

In summary, the Sea of Tiberias is a central location in the Gospels, serving as a stage for Jesus' teachings, miracles, and interactions with His disciples. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the historical and spiritual significance of the region in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Sea of Tiberias

SEA OF TIBERIAS

ti-be'-ri-as.

See GALILEE, 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 ...
... Magdalene, of Magdala, a place on the coast of the Sea of Galilee near Tiberias.
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Magdalene Phonetic Spelling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3094.htm - 6k

2281. thalassa -- the sea
... Short Definition: the sea, lake Definition: (a) the sea, in contrast to the land,
(b) a particular sea or lake, eg the sea of Galilee (Tiberias), the Red Sea. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2281.htm - 6k

1082. Gennesaret -- Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the ...
... Gennesaret Definition: Gennesaret, a fertile district by the lake of Tiberias, which
was in ... Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the Sea of Galilee NASB ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1082.htm - 6k

Library

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
... but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists;
'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 70 the lake of.htm

In Galilee.
... ntc3306. Map of Sea of Galilee (John 21:1). 1. After these things Jesus showed himself
again to his disciples at the sea of Tiberias. ... Sea of Tiberias. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/in galilee.htm

Of the Situation of Tiberias.
... forty furlongs. Therefore, with what reason do the maps place the whole
sea of Gennesaret between Tiberias and Hippo? Read those ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 73 of the situation.htm

Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
... "The Rabbins deliver: The sea of Tiberias is in the portion of Naphtali; yea, it
takes a full line for the nets on the south side of it: as it is said ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 71 within what tribe.htm

Tiberias.
... But Tiberias is excepted, which hath the sea for a wall" So also R. Simeon Ben Jochai,
in the Jerusalem Gemara just now alleged: 'Among the cities fortified ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 72 tiberias.htm

The Appearance to the Seven by the Sea.
... After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the
sea of Tiberias; and he manifested himself on this wise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the appearance to the seven.htm

How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up.
... in his government,] he removed from that Cesarea which was by the sea-side, and ... But
as soon as he was informed that Tiberias was fond of innovations, and that ...
/.../chapter 9 how joppa was.htm

Appearance at Sea of Galilee.
... "After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the
Sea of Tiberias; and He manifested Himself on this wise. ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiv appearance at sea of.htm

The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers ...
... "Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great
Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 4 the seven seas.htm

The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ]
... And they shall go down into the plain; that is, into the sea of Tiberias. And
they shall go out into the sea; that is, into the Dead Sea.". ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 69 the lake samochonitis.htm