John 6:1
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
After
G3326
Μετὰ
After
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἀπῆλθεν
went
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
3 of 12
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 12
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
10 of 12
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
Cross References
John 6:23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)Luke 5:1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,Matthew 4:18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.John 21:1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.Numbers 34:11And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake, 13 miles long and 7 miles wide. Tiberias, built by Herod Antipas around 20 AD, was a predominantly Gentile city that pious Jews avoided. John's dual naming reflects the mixed audience of his Gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it significant that the greatest miracle happens in a place of mixed Jewish and Gentile presence?
- How does Jesus use common locations to teach extraordinary spiritual truths?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Sea of Galilee, also called Tiberias (named after the Roman emperor), sets the stage for the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. John's mention of both names shows he writes for both Jewish and Gentile readers. This geographical note transitions from confrontation in Jerusalem to ministry in Galilee, where Jesus will demonstrate He is the Bread of Life through feeding thousands.