Capernaum, Israel
City:
Capernaum
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
Located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a major town and home to fishermen, farmers, a Roman garrison, and a customs house (where tax collectors worked). Capernaum had a large synagogue, the remains of which are beneath the ruins of a later synagogue. Many of the New Testament stories about Jesus took place here. Jesus' disciple Matthew, a tax collector, came from this town (Matthew 8:5-17; 9:1-34; 17:24-27, 18; Mark 1:21-34; 2:1-12; Luke 7:1-10; John 6:16-71). It was also the home town of the apostles Peter, James, Andrew, and John.
Alternate Names
Tell Hum; Khirbet Karazeh; Bethsaida; Capharnaum; Chorazin; Kefar Nahum; Kafarnaum; Kefar Tanhum; Talhum; Tanhum
Geography & Location
Capernaum is located on the north corner of the Sea of Galilee, on the side of the ancient road from Tiberias to the east of the Sea of Galilee: Golan, Gamla, and Jordan.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
The name Capernaum is derived from two words: Caper, which means "village," and Naum, which means "rest," and is also from the title, Nahum. Therefore, some believe that the town was named after the Prophet Nahum, and some believe it was simply a place of rest.
Biblical & Historical References
Biblical
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Christ healed multitudes of people in and around Capernaum (Mark 29-34) and also showed He was God as He forgave their sins. Ultimately, Christ cursed the town of Capernaum because of their unbelief in Him (Matthew 11:23-24).
Etymology
Capernaum – from Hebrew: Kefar (village) + Nachum (a name of the prophet from the old testament).
Places of Interest
Peter's Home
Virtual Visit
Today, the ruins of the ancient city of Capernaum are a popular tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage for Christians. Visitors to Capernaum can see the remains of the ancient village, including the remains of houses, a synagogue, and a church that were built over the site of Peter’s house. There is also a small modern-day church on the site that marks the place where Jesus is said to have taught and performed miracles.