Biblical Geography

Galilee

Region · New Testament · The Galilee

Scripture first

Matthew 4:13-16 · WEBU

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Jesus settles in Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah: Galilee of the nations has seen a great light.

Galilee was fertile, populous and crossed by trade roads, held in some contempt by Judeans. Here Jesus was raised at Nazareth, called the first disciples, taught in the synagogues, and did most of his works around the lake.

The northern hill country around the Sea of Galilee where Jesus grew up and where most of his ministry happened.

Biblical names
Galilee, Galilee of the nations
Modern identification
The Galilee · Israel

Galilee's villages ringed the lake within a day's walk of each other, which is how the Gospels can move between Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin so easily.

The Via Maris touched Galilee, making it a crossroads of nations, exactly as calls it.

  • Jesus settles in Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah: Galilee of the nations has seen a great light.
  • Galilee of the Gentiles promised light
  • The first sign at Cana of Galilee
  • The eleven meet the risen Jesus on the mountain in Galilee

What we know

Certain

  • The Gospels consistently set Jesus' early ministry in Galilee, and its towns are securely identified.