Show Summary Details
Overview
Sea of Galilee
Quick Reference
In northern Palestine; also called ‘the Lake of Gennesaret’ (Luke 5: 1) and ‘the Sea of Tiberias’ (John 6: 1), a freshwater lake separating two parts of the River Jordan. It spreads out to 12.8 km. (8 miles) across and its length is about 21 km. (13 miles). The situation between hills causes sudden changes of temperature and squalls (Mark 4: 35–41). Fishing has always been an important industry and pickled fish used to be sent up to Jerusalem. What Mark regards as a ‘sea’ (Mark 4: 39), Luke from the wider perspective of a world traveller designates a mere ‘lake’ (Luke 8: 22). It is of great importance in the narratives of Jesus' ministry.
