Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is a large freshwater lake in northern Israel, fed by the Jordan River. Known in the Old Testament as Chinnereth and elsewhere as the lake of Gennesaret or the Sea of Tiberias, its shores were the heartland of Jesus’ Galilean ministry.

The calling of the first disciples

Beside this sea Jesus called the fishermen Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, saying, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18–22).

Miracles on the water

The lake is famous for sudden storms. Jesus calmed one with a word, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39), and on another night walked across the water to his disciples (Matthew 14:25). Nearby he fed the five thousand and taught the crowds from a boat.

After the resurrection

It was on the shore of this sea that the risen Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples and restored Peter, three times asking, "Lovest thou me?" (John 21:1–17).

The lake sits about 210 metres below sea level, ringed by hills that funnel winds into the sudden squalls the Gospels describe. In 1986 a first-century fishing boat — the so-called "Jesus Boat" — was recovered from the mud near its shore and is now displayed at Kibbutz Ginosar. Ancient harbours and the fishing towns of Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Magdala have all been excavated along its rim.