Views of Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is a large freshwater lake located in the Rift Valley in northern Israel. The Jordan River flows into its north end and out of its southern end. Its surface is about 700 ft. [214 m.] below sea level, and it is about 144 ft. [44 m.] deep. It is 13 mi. [21 km.] long and 7.5 mi. [12 km.] wide, with about 30 mi. [ 48 km.] of shoreline. It has a very temperate climate, and is very hot and muggy during the summer months.

It is also called the "Sea of Kinnereth," the "Sea of Tiberias," "Lake Gennesaret," and most commonly (in the Gospels) "the lake." Much of Jesus' public ministry took place along its northwestern and northeastern shores in cities such as Capernaum, Bethsaida, and the surrounding countryside.

For a geographical description of this region see Carl Rasmussen, The Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1989), pp. 34-35. To view for purchase Click Here.