### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios), Strong's number `{{G3864}}`, is a compound word derived from two distinct components: the preposition παρά (pará), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "near" `{{G3844}}`, and the noun θάλασσα (thálassa), meaning "sea" or "large body of water" `{{G2281}}`. Etymologically, therefore, παραθαλάσσιος literally signifies "alongside the sea" or "by the sea." Its semantic range is primarily geographical, denoting a location that is maritime or coastal. The definition provided also notes its applicability to "lacustrine" environments, which is crucial given its sole biblical occurrence in reference to the Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake often referred to as a "sea" in the New Testament. Thus, it describes a place situated on the shore or adjacent to a significant body of water.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 4:13]]**: "And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim."
In this pivotal verse, Matthew describes Jesus' relocation from Nazareth to Capernaum, a city described as παραθαλάσσιος. This detail is not merely incidental geography but serves a profound theological purpose. Capernaum, situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, becomes the primary base for Jesus' early Galilean ministry. Matthew immediately follows this geographical description with an explicit citation of the prophet Isaiah: "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up" [[Matthew 4:14-16]] (cf. [[Isaiah 9:1-2]]/[[Isaiah 8:23-9:1]]). The phrase "upon the sea coast" (παραθαλάσσιος) directly corresponds to Isaiah's "way of the sea" (δὸν θαλάσσης). This precise geographical detail underscores the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, demonstrating Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah whose ministry would bring light to a region long considered spiritually dark and populated by Gentiles. The location of Capernaum, being "upon the sea coast," thus highlights its strategic importance as a hub for the spread of the Gospel in Galilee.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios) is enriched by examining its constituent parts and related biblical concepts:
* **παρά (pará) `{{G3844}}`**: This versatile preposition signifies proximity ("beside," "near"), motion alongside, or even comparison. In παραθαλάσσιος, it clearly denotes physical adjacency, emphasizing the location's immediate nearness to the water.
* **θάλασσα (thálassa) `{{G2281}}`**: This noun for "sea" is frequently used in the Gospels to refer to the Sea of Galilee (e.g., [[Matthew 4:18]], [[Matthew 8:24]], [[Mark 1:16]], [[Luke 5:1]]). While technically a freshwater lake, its size and strategic importance led to its designation as a "sea." The "sea" in biblical thought can also carry symbolic weight, representing chaos or the Gentile world.
* **Capernaum `{{G2584}}`**: The city itself, identified as παραθαλάσσιος, becomes a central stage for many of Jesus' miracles and teachings (e.g., healing the paralytic [[Mark 2:1-12]], calling disciples [[Matthew 4:18-22]]). Its location on the "sea coast" facilitated access to fishing communities and trade routes.
* **Zabulon `{{G2194}}` and Nephthalim `{{G3475}}`**: These ancient tribal territories, mentioned alongside the "sea coast" in Matthew's citation of Isaiah, highlight the historical and prophetic context. They represent the "Galilee of the Gentiles," a region often viewed with disdain by Judeans but chosen by God for the dawning of "great light."
* **Prophecy Fulfillment**: The concept of prophecy fulfilled is central to Matthew's Gospel. The specific geographical detail of "parathalássios" serves as a tangible link between Jesus' ministry and the ancient words of Isaiah, affirming Jesus' messianic credentials.
* **"Way of the Sea" (δὸν θαλάσσης)**: This phrase from [[Isaiah 9:1]] (Septuagint) is directly echoed by Matthew's use of παραθαλάσσιος, emphasizing the prophetic significance of the region.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios) holds profound theological significance, primarily serving to underscore the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the nature of Jesus' redemptive mission.
1. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The most immediate theological implication is the precise fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy regarding the "light" dawning in "Galilee of the Gentiles" and the "way of the sea." By establishing His base in Capernaum, a city "upon the sea coast" in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali, Jesus deliberately situated His early ministry in the very geographical location foretold by the prophet. This demonstrates God's meticulous planning and the divine orchestration of salvation history, affirming Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah.
2. **Inclusivity of the Gospel**: The "Galilee of the Gentiles" was a region with a mixed population, including many non-Jews, and was often considered less religiously pure than Judea. Jesus' choice to begin His ministry in this "parathalássios" region, rather than Jerusalem, signals the expansive and inclusive nature of His Kingdom. The "great light" was not confined to the religious elite or the spiritual heartland, but extended to those "who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death," encompassing both Jews and Gentiles from the outset.
3. **Strategic Base for Ministry**: The "sea coast" location of Capernaum was not merely prophetic but also strategically practical. The Sea of Galilee was a hub of fishing, trade, and travel, making it an ideal place from which to launch a public ministry. The accessibility of the region, its diverse population, and its connection to various towns and villages along the shore allowed Jesus to reach a wide audience and gather His first disciples, many of whom were fishermen from this very "parathalássios" environment.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Geography**: The use of παραθαλάσσιος highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human geography. God's redemptive plan is not abstract but unfolds in specific times and places, with even geographical details like a "sea coast" city being part of His grand design to bring salvation to humanity.
### Summary
The Greek word παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios), meaning "alongside the sea" or "upon the sea coast," is a descriptive geographical term derived from παρά (beside) and θάλασσα (sea). Its singular occurrence in [[Matthew 4:13]] is profoundly significant, describing Capernaum, the city Jesus chose as the base for His early Galilean ministry. This specific "parathalássios" location directly fulfills the prophecy of [[Isaiah 9:1-2]] (or [[Isaiah 8:23-9:1]]), which spoke of a "great light" dawning in the "Galilee of the Gentiles" and the "way of the sea." Theologically, this word underscores Jesus' identity as the Messiah who meticulously fulfills Old Testament prophecy, demonstrates the inclusive nature of His gospel message reaching both Jews and Gentiles, and highlights the strategic wisdom of His ministry's geographical starting point. Thus, παραθαλάσσιος, though a simple descriptive adjective, serves as a vital anchor connecting the historical events of Jesus' life to the unfolding of God's eternal plan of salvation.
TRV