### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Nazaréth** `{{G3478}}` is the name for **Nazareth**, a place in Palestine. It appears **12 times** in **12 unique verses** in the Bible. While its derivation is uncertain, its biblical significance is clear as the city where Jesus was brought up and a primary identifier for him throughout the Gospels and Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
**Nazareth** `{{G3478}}` is introduced as a city `{{G4172}}` of Galilee `{{G1056}}` where the angel `{{G32}}` Gabriel `{{G1043}}` was sent `{{G649}}` from God `{{G2316}}` [[Luke 1:26]]. It is the city from which Joseph `{{G2501}}` and his family departed for Bethlehem `{{G965}}` and to which they returned `{{G5290}}` after performing all things according to the law `{{G3551}}` of the Lord `{{G2962}}` ([[Luke 2:4]], [[Luke 2:39]]). The city is primarily known as the place where Jesus `{{G2424}}` was brought up `{{G5142}}` and had his custom `{{G1486}}` of attending the synagogue `{{G4864}}` [[Luke 4:16]]. This association was so strong that he was commonly identified by the multitude `{{G3793}}` as "Jesus the prophet of **Nazareth**" [[Matthew 21:11]]. Despite its importance in Jesus' life, it seemed to have a humble reputation, prompting Nathanael `{{G3482}}` to ask if any good thing `{{G18}}` could come `{{G1511}}` out of **Nazareth** [[John 1:46]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the identity and location of **Nazareth** `{{G3478}}`:
* `{{G1056}}` **Galilaía** (Galilee): A region of Palestine, frequently mentioned in conjunction with **Nazareth** to specify its location, as in "a city of Galilee, named Nazareth" [[Luke 1:26]] and "Jesus came from **Nazareth** of Galilee" [[Mark 1:9]].
* `{{G3480}}` **Nazōraîos** (Nazarene): This term, meaning an inhabitant of Nazareth, is directly linked to Jesus dwelling `{{G2730}}` in the city. Fulfilling a prophecy, he dwelt in **Nazareth** so that "He shall be called a Nazarene" [[Matthew 2:23]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): **Nazareth** is consistently identified as a **city**, establishing it as a settled community. The family returned to "their own city **Nazareth**" [[Luke 2:39]], and Joseph went up from "the city of **Nazareth**" [[Luke 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of **Nazaréth** `{{G3478}}` is tied to several key concepts in the life and identity of Jesus.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** Joseph’s decision to dwell `{{G2730}}` in **Nazareth** is explicitly tied to prophecy, "that it might be fulfilled `{{G4137}}` which was spoken `{{G4483}}` by the prophets `{{G4396}}`, He shall be called a Nazarene `{{G3480}}`" [[Matthew 2:23]].
* **Jesus’ Human Identity:** **Nazareth** serves as a primary locator for Jesus, grounding his identity in a specific town. Philip `{{G5376}}` identifies him as "Jesus of **Nazareth**, the son of Joseph" [[John 1:45]], and the multitude `{{G3793}}` calls him "Jesus the prophet of **Nazareth** of Galilee" [[Matthew 21:11]].
* **Place of Upbringing and Submission:** The gospels note that **Nazareth** is "where he had been brought up `{{G5142}}`" [[Luke 4:16]]. It is the place where he returned with his parents and "was subject `{{G5293}}` unto them" [[Luke 2:51]], highlighting his developmental years.
* **Origin of Anointed Ministry:** The title "Jesus of **Nazareth**" is linked to the start of his powerful ministry. It was Jesus of **Nazareth** whom "God `{{G2316}}` anointed `{{G5548}}` with the Holy `{{G40}}` Ghost `{{G4151}}` and with power `{{G1411}}`" [[Acts 10:38]].
### Summary
In summary, **Nazaréth** `{{G3478}}` is more than just a geographical location in Palestine; it is the earthly hometown of Jesus Christ. It serves as the backdrop for his upbringing, the basis for one of his key identifiers, and the fulfillment of prophecy. From being the city to which the angel Gabriel was sent to the humble place from which Nathanael questioned if anything good could come, **Nazareth** is central to the gospel narrative, forever linking the Son of God to a specific city `{{G4172}}` in Galilee `{{G1056}}`.
TRV