### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parathalássios**, represented by `{{G3864}}`, means **along the sea** or **upon the sea coast**. This descriptive term is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. It is a compound word derived from παρά (meaning "alongside") and θάλασσα (meaning "sea"), painting a clear geographical picture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3864}}` occurs in the Gospel of Matthew. It is used to specify the location of Capernaum at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. After leaving Nazareth, Jesus came and dwelt in Capernaum, which the text explicitly identifies as being "upon the sea coast" [[Matthew 4:13]]. This geographical detail situates the city within the broader region defined as "the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim" [[Matthew 4:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text provide a fuller picture of this relocation:
* `{{G2730}}` **katoikéō** (to house permanently, i.e. reside): This word describes the action Jesus took in Capernaum. He did not merely visit but **dwelt** there, establishing a base for His ministry in this city that was "upon the sea coast" [[Matthew 4:13]].
* `{{G2584}}` **Kapernaoúm** (Capernaum): This is the proper name of the city being described by `{{G3864}}`. The text states Jesus came to **Capernaum**, which is "upon the sea coast" [[Matthew 4:13]].
* `{{G3725}}` **hórion** (a boundary-line, i.e. a frontier): This term works in tandem with `{{G3864}}` to provide a precise location. Capernaum is not only on the sea coast but specifically within the **borders** of Zabulon and Nephthalim [[Matthew 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3864}}` is primarily geographical, yet it carries theological weight by positioning Jesus' ministry in a specific, prophetically important place.
* **Ministry Hub:** By dwelling in Capernaum, a city "upon the sea coast," Jesus established a center of operations in a key part of Galilee [[Matthew 4:13]]. It was in this city that He would teach and perform mighty works [[Matthew 11:23]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The description of Capernaum as being "upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim" [[Matthew 4:13]] is not incidental. This precise location directly sets up the fulfillment of the prophecy cited immediately after, concerning "The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea" [[Matthew 4:15]].
* **Strategic Location:** Its maritime location placed it on a significant route, making it a fitting place for a message intended to spread, as described in "Galilee of the Gentiles" [[Matthew 4:15]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G3864}}` is a rare word used only once, its role is crucial. It does more than offer a simple geographical fact. It pinpoints the location of Jesus' early ministry to Capernaum, a city "upon the sea coast," thereby demonstrating the deliberate fulfillment of prophecy and establishing the strategic hub from which His ministry to Galilee and beyond would launch.
TRV