Gennesaret: a Previous Settlement
This place no longer exists. It was a former settlement once located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was nestled on the
fertile plain of Gennesaret, and served as a backdrop for many of Jesus' miracles and teachings.
Biblical Significance
The plain around Gennesaret was home to many small towns and villages, each contributing to the local agriculture. Prominent settlements included Magdala—Mary Magdalene’s hometown—and Capernaum, which Jesus used as a central base during His ministry. The accessible landscape made it easy for people from neighbouring regions to gather, eager to hear Jesus teach and seek healing.
Two such times were:
After Jesus fed the 5,000, He and His disciples traveled across the Sea of Galilee, arriving at Gennesaret. Locals quickly recognized Him and brought all those who were ill to Him, hoping to simply touch the edge of His clothing—and everyone who did so was healed (Mt 14:34–36; Mk 6:53–56).
In another account, Jesus borrowed a boat and taught the crowds from just offshore. Afterwards, He instructed Simon Peter to lower his nets, despite Peter’s admission that they had caught nothing all night. Nevertheless, Peter complied, resulting in such an abundant catch that their boat nearly sank. This miracle marked the calling of Simon Peter, along with James and John, as disciples (Lk 5:1–11).
See also: Sea of Galilee.