The Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is located 212 meters below sea level. It has a circumference of 53 kilometers, is 21 kilometers long from north to south, and 13 kilometers wide from east to west. With an area of 166 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 43 meters, it is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The Sea of Galilee is also known as the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1) and the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1; 21:1). In ancient times, its original name was the Lake of Kinneret (Numbers 34:11). The Sea of Galilee is situated on an important ancient trade route connecting Egypt with Syria and Iraq. It was a place of thriving fishing, dense population, and numerous villages built around the lake.

During Jesus’ time, the Galilee region was known as “Galilee of the Gentiles” and was inhabited by a mixed population of non-Jews. It was often looked down upon by the Jews. More than 700 years earlier, when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell and was taken into captivity, the Assyrians relocated many Gentiles into the area. After the Jewish exile and return, many Jews also moved back. As a result, the Galilee region had both Jewish and Gentile towns.

Most of the events of Jesus’ life took place around the Sea of Galilee. At that time, there were many settlements and villages developing along the lake, as well as significant trade and ferry activity. The Gospels of Mark (1:14-20) and Matthew (4:18-22) describe how Jesus called His four apostles—the fishermen Peter and his brother Andrew, and the apostles John and James—from the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount was also delivered on a hill overlooking the lake.

Because the lake is located in a low-lying rift valley surrounded by mountains, the eastern plateau of the Sea of Galilee is higher than the western hills. Cold air from the plateau’s surface, sometimes caused by rapid cooling at high altitudes, can become heavy. With no obstacles at the edge of the plateau to block it, this cold air can suddenly rush down toward the lake, often causing fierce storms on the water. The New Testament recounts stories of Jesus calming a storm and ministering there. In addition, many of His miracles, such as walking on water and feeding the five thousand, also took place here.

The 1st-century historian Flavius Josephus was impressed by the region, noting in his writings the prosperous fishing industry on the Sea of Galilee, with 230 boats regularly working on the lake. In the Roman era, the lake was abundant with fish, and the fishing industry was highly developed. Today, “St. Peter’s fish” remains a very popular dish in local restaurants.

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