Bethsaida

Bethsaida is a Jewish town located on the northeastern corner of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus once ministered. It sits about 3 kilometers east of where the Jordan River enters the lake. The name “Bethsaida” means “house of the fisherman” or “house of the hunter,” a fitting name given the area’s rich abundance of wildlife and fish. The towns of Capernaum and Bethsaida were very close to each other, less than 6 kilometers apart, and were connected by a major road, even though they were usually under the jurisdiction of different tetrarchs.

Furthermore, it was on a mountain near Bethsaida that Jesus prayed after the miracle of feeding the five thousand (Mark 6:45-46). According to the Bible, several of Jesus’ miracles took place near Bethsaida: the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish, walking on water, and healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26), among others.

“Chorazin and Bethsaida” were Jewish towns located near Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Although the residents saw the message conveyed by these miracles, most were not moved by them. For this reason, Jesus condemned them, saying, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you” (Luke 10:13-14).

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.