Matthew 14:34
And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθον
they came
G2064
ἦλθον
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 7
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 7
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Gennesaret's plain was approximately three miles long and one mile wide, one of the most productive agricultural regions in Galilee. Josephus (Wars 3.10.8) praised its fertility and beauty. The region's prosperity contrasted with the spiritual poverty Jesus addressed. Archaeological remains show thriving first-century settlements around the lake, supporting the Gospel accounts of large crowds and multiple villages within close proximity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's intentional movement to different regions model strategic ministry rather than random wandering?
- In what ways do material prosperity and physical comfort sometimes blind people to their deeper spiritual needs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret (καὶ διαπεράσαντες ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν εἰς Γεννησαρέτ)—The verb διαπεράω (diaperaō, 'to cross over completely') indicates they successfully traversed the lake despite the storm that had nearly sunk them. Gennesaret (Γεννησαρέτ, from Hebrew Kinnereth, meaning 'harp-shaped') was a fertile plain on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum. Luke 5:1 calls the lake itself the 'Lake of Gennesaret,' while John calls it the Sea of Tiberias (6:1).
The journey from the eastern shore (where they fed the 5,000, cf. Mark 6:45, 53) to Gennesaret shows Jesus's intentional movement back to Jewish territory after the miracle. The plain was known for fertility—Josephus described it as a paradise with temperate climate and diverse crops. Jesus entered a place of plenty, yet the people's greatest need wasn't food but healing (vv. 35-36).