Sea of Galilee (Israel)
City:
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
The Sea of Galilee is referred to in Scripture by other names like Lake of Gennesaret (Ginosar, Gennesar) (Luke 5:1), Sea of Chinnereth (Chinneroth, Cinneroth, Kinnereth, Kinneret) (Deuteronomy 3:17, Numbers 34:11, Joshua 11:2, 12:3, 13:27, 19:35, 1 Kings 15:20) , and the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1). It’s about 70 miles north of Jerusalem and about 27 miles east of the Mediterranean Sea. It's a freshwater lake about 8 miles wide by about 12 miles long and has a maximum depth of about 150 feet.
The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world, almost 600-700 feet below sea-level! It's a key freshwater source for much of Israel and supports a variety of plant and animal life. It is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and fertile agricultural land, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors to the area can enjoy a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming, as well as visiting the many religious and historical sites in the surrounding area. Among the most popular type of fish in the lake is St. Peters’ fish, a form of Tilapia – a mouthbrooder, needing warm water.
Because of its location, storms can arise quickly and drop down onto its surface without much warning, as evidenced in Luke 8:22-25 and John 6:16-21. This historic body of water is the background to many biblical events and miracles such as when Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21).
Alternate Names
Sea of Galilee; Lake of Gennesaret (Ginosar, Gennesar) (Luke 5:1); Sea of Chinnereth (Chinneroth, Cinneroth, Kinnereth, Kinneret) (Deuteronomy 3:17, Numbers 34:11, Joshua 11:2, 12:3, 13:27, 19:35, 1 Kings 15:20); Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1)
Geography & Location
The Sea of Galilee is about 70 miles north of Jerusalem and about 27 miles east of the Mediterranean Sea.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Because it lies low in the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by hills, the Sea of Galilee is prone to sudden turbulence. Storms of the kind that Jesus calmed (Mark 4:35-41) are a well-known hazard for Galilee fishermen. With little warning, mighty squalls can sweep down the wadis (valleys) around the lake, whipping its tranquil surface into treacherous waves. Such storms often arrive in mid-afternoon, as the heat of the rift valley (averaging mid-30s Celsius in the shade) sucks down the cool air of the heights. After half an hour, the wind drops and the waves subside, restoring calm to the lake.
Biblical & Historical References
Biblical References
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Like the disciples, we are often surrounded by serious problems. Do we realize Jesus cares for us during our storms?
Etymology
Kinnereth (Cinnereth) – the name of Sea of Galilee in Hebrew. The meaning for this name is not clear, but there are several options:(a) Kinor is in hebrew: violin. Since the shape of the lake resembles a violin, it may be the source of the name.(b) Kinar is a name of a old god, and is mentioned in the ancient Ugarit scribes (as well as Kinnereth). Hence the lake was named after this god. In Christian texts the name has transformed to Genesareth.
Site Details
Tiberias – West Side of the Lake
Places of Interest
Feeding of the 5,000 location