of Hebrew origin (compare כִּנְּרוֹת); Gennesaret (i.e. Kinnereth), a lake and plain in Palestine:--Gennesaret.
Transliteration:Gennēsarét
Pronunciation:ghen-nay-sar-et'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**G1082 (Gennēsarét)** refers to a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine, encompassing both a fertile plain and the adjacent body of water. The term is a Hellenized transliteration of the older Hebrew name `{{H3672}}` (Kinnereth or Chinnereth). While the Hebrew name is thought to derive from the word for "harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor), possibly alluding to the lake's shape, the Greek "Gennesaret" functions primarily as a proper noun identifying this distinct region. It denotes not merely the lake itself (often called the Sea of Galilee or Sea of Tiberias) but also the highly productive plain situated on its northwestern shore, which was a significant agricultural area during the time of Jesus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term **G1082 (Gennēsarét)** appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels, highlighting its importance as a setting for Jesus' ministry:
* [[Matthew 14:34]]: "And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret." This passage describes Jesus and His disciples arriving at the plain of Gennesaret immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water. The context emphasizes the immediate recognition of Jesus by the local populace, who then brought all their sick to Him for healing, demonstrating the widespread impact of His presence.
* [[Mark 6:53]]: "When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore." This account closely parallels Matthew's narrative, again depicting Gennesaret as the landing point after a significant display of Jesus' power over the elements. The subsequent verses detail the extensive healing ministry that ensued throughout the region, underscoring Gennesaret as a hub for Jesus' compassionate works.
* [[Luke 5:1]]: "While the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret." Here, Luke explicitly uses "lake of Gennesaret" as a direct synonym for the body of water otherwise known as the Sea of Galilee. This verse sets the scene for the miraculous catch of fish and the pivotal calling of Peter, James, and John as disciples, illustrating the lake's significance as a backdrop for foundational moments in Jesus' ministry.
These occurrences consistently place Gennesaret as a central location for Jesus' public ministry, particularly His healing works and the calling of His first followers. Its fertility and dense population made it an ideal environment for the spread of His message and the demonstration of His divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3672}}` (Kinnereth/Chinnereth):** This is the Hebrew predecessor to Gennesaret, found in the Old Testament ([[Numbers 34:11]], [[Joshua 12:3]], [[Joshua 13:27]], [[1 Kings 15:20]]). It refers to the same lake (Sea of Galilee) and its surrounding region, illustrating the continuity of the geographical designation across different historical periods.
* **Sea of Galilee:** The most common name for the lake in the New Testament ([[Matthew 4:18]], [[Mark 1:16]], [[John 6:1]]), often used interchangeably with "Lake of Gennesaret."
* **Sea of Tiberias:** Another name for the lake, particularly used by the Gospel of John ([[John 6:1]], [[John 21:1]]), named after the Roman city of Tiberias built on its western shore.
* **Capernaum, Bethsaida, Chorazin:** These cities, frequently mentioned in conjunction with Jesus' ministry, were situated on or near the shores of the Sea of Galilee/Gennesaret. They formed the core of the region where Jesus performed "most of his mighty works" ([[Matthew 11:20]]).
* **Miracles and Teachings:** The region of Gennesaret, including both the plain and the lake, served as the immediate setting for numerous pivotal events in Jesus' ministry, such as the calling of His first disciples, the calming of the storm, the feeding of the multitudes, and widespread healing.
### Theological Significance
The region of Gennesaret holds profound theological significance as a primary stage for the unfolding of Jesus' earthly ministry:
* **Crucial Center of Galilean Ministry:** Gennesaret, encompassing both the fertile plain and the active lake, served as a vital hub for Jesus' early public ministry. It was from this area that He called His first disciples, performed a multitude of miracles, and delivered much of His foundational teaching. Its strategic location and population density made it a natural base for the dissemination of the Gospel message.
* **Demonstration of Divine Authority and Compassion:** The accounts in Matthew and Mark, detailing Jesus' arrival at Gennesaret and the subsequent widespread healing, powerfully underscore His limitless power and deep compassion. The immediate recognition by the people and their eagerness to bring the sick to merely touch the fringe of His garment ([[Matthew 14:36]], [[Mark 6:56]]) vividly illustrate the tangible manifestation of God's kingdom through Jesus.
* **Setting for Discipleship:** Luke's narrative of the miraculous catch of fish on the Lake of Gennesaret ([[Luke 5:1-11]]) is foundational for the calling of Peter, James, and John. This event, occurring within the familiar working environment of these fishermen, powerfully demonstrates Jesus' authority over creation and His transformative call to a new, spiritual "fishing" for humanity. It marks a pivotal moment in the formation of the apostolic core.
* **Fulfillment of Prophetic Themes:** While Gennesaret is not explicitly named in Old Testament prophecy, its prominence in Jesus' ministry aligns with the broader theme of God's redemptive work beginning in Galilee, a region often considered peripheral but chosen by God to be illuminated by the Messiah ([[Isaiah 9:1-2]]). The concentration of Jesus' ministry here underscores God's unexpected ways of bringing salvation.
### Summary
**G1082 (Gennēsarét)** designates the fertile plain and the adjacent lake (also known as the Sea of Galilee or Sea of Tiberias) in northern Palestine, a name derived from the older Hebrew `{{H3672}}` (Kinnereth). This geographical location is of immense significance in the New Testament, appearing in [[Matthew 14:34]], [[Mark 6:53]], and [[Luke 5:1]]. Gennesaret served as a primary hub for Jesus' Galilean ministry, witnessing numerous miracles of healing, the calling of His first disciples, and much of His teaching. Its mention consistently places Jesus in a context of active, public ministry, demonstrating His divine power and compassion to a receptive populace. The region's historical and theological importance is interwoven with the foundational events of the Gospel, marking it as a key locus for the inauguration of God's kingdom.