### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Galilaía**, represented by `{{G1056}}`, is a region of Palestine with Hebrew origins, meaning "the heathen circle." It appears **63 times** across **62 unique verses**, establishing it as a primary setting for the events of the Gospels.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1056}}` is the central stage for the ministry of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}`. It is his home region, with Joseph and Mary returning to their **city** `{{G4172}}` of **Nazareth** `{{G3478}}` in **Galilee** [[Luke 2:39]]. Jesus began his ministry in **Galilee**, teaching in the synagogues, **preaching** `{{G2784}}` the **gospel** `{{G2098}}`, and **healing** `{{G2323}}` the sick [[Matthew 4:23]]. Many significant events occurred here, including his first miracle at a **marriage** `{{G1062}}` in **Cana** `{{G2580}}` of **Galilee** [[John 2:11]] and the calling of his first disciples by the **sea** `{{G2281}}` of **Galilee** [[Matthew 4:18]]. After his resurrection, **Galilee** was the appointed place for his disciples to see him again [[Matthew 28:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the region and its people:
* `{{G1057}}` **Galilaîos** (Galilean): This term refers to an inhabitant of the region. Pilate asks if Jesus is a **Galilean** [[Luke 23:6]], and the disciples are identified as **Galilaeans** [[Acts 2:7]], linking their identity directly to **Galilee**.
* `{{G3478}}` **Nazaréth** (Nazareth): This is explicitly identified as a **city** `{{G4172}}` of **Galilee** [[Luke 1:26]]. It is Jesus's hometown, and he is often referred to as Jesus of **Nazareth** of **Galilee** [[Matthew 21:11]].
* `{{G2281}}` **thálassa** (sea): This word is frequently used to identify the **sea** of **Galilee**, a major geographical feature where Jesus walked, called his disciples, and conducted much of his ministry ([[Mark 1:16]], [[John 6:1]]).
* `{{G2580}}` **Kanâ** (Cana): This location is specifically designated as **Cana** of **Galilee**, identifying it as the site of Jesus's first miracle where he turned **water** `{{G5204}}` into **wine** `{{G3631}}` [[John 2:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1056}}` is profound, serving as the starting point for God's redemptive plan in Christ.
* **Center of Christ's Ministry:** **Galilee** is the primary theater for Jesus’s earthly ministry. It is where he first **preached** `{{G2784}}` the **gospel** `{{G2098}}` of the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` [[Mark 1:14]], and from where his **fame** `{{G5345}}` spread throughout the region [[Luke 4:14]].
* **Place of Humble Beginnings:** The region was perceived by some with skepticism, as noted in the challenge, "out of **Galilee** ariseth no **prophet** `{{G4396}}`" [[John 7:52]]. This underscores that God's plan commenced in a place not esteemed by the religious authorities of the time.
* **Location of Divine Appointment:** **Galilee** is not only where Jesus’s ministry began but also where his resurrected appearance to the eleven **disciples** `{{G3101}}` was appointed to take place, making it a place of crucial revelation [[Matthew 28:16]]. It was specifically called "**Galilee** of the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}`," hinting at the scope of the gospel message [[Matthew 4:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1056}}` is more than a mere geographical location; it is the divinely chosen heartland of Jesus's ministry. From the humble town of **Nazareth** to the shores of its **sea** and the wedding at **Cana**, **Galilee** is the backdrop for the proclamation of the **gospel** and the demonstration of Christ’s **power** `{{G1411}}`. It stands as a testament to how God initiates his most significant work from places the world might overlook.
TRV