Γαλιλαία (Galilaia)
Galilaia
Galilee
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 61 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Galilaia refers to the northern region of Palestine during the New Testament era, encompassing both Upper and Lower Galilee. Bounded by Syria to the north, Samaria to the south, and the Jordan River to the east, this territory was a distinct geographical and cultural zone. The sources note its frequent association with the Sea of Galilee, as seen in Matthew 15:29, and its identity as "Galilee of the Gentiles" in Matthew 4:15, reflecting its mixed population near the Mediterranean coast.
Derived from a Hebrew term meaning "circle" or "district," the name highlights the region's defined boundaries. With occurrences spread across Matthew, Luke, and John, Galilaia serves as the primary setting for Jesus’ early ministry. The texts locate key events here, such as the calling of the first disciples in Matthew 4:18 and Jesus’ return to the region after his baptism in Mark 1:14, establishing it as the central stage for the Gospels' narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Galilee was more than a map coordinate; it was the place where ordinary people met the divine. Jesus chose this northern region, known for its mixed population and humble origins, to launch his public ministry. By working here, he showed that God’s presence is not confined to grand temples or capital cities but walks alongside those in everyday communities.
When you read about Jesus teaching in Galilee’s synagogues or healing by the sea, it invites you to see your own daily routines as sacred ground. The same Spirit that moved through Nazareth and Capernaum is available to you now. You do not need to travel far to find grace; it meets you in the ordinary moments of work, family, and rest.
This region reminds us that God often begins new things in unexpected places. Just as the disciples left their nets to follow him, you are invited to bring your current circumstances into his light. There is hope here for anyone who feels overlooked or distant from the center of religious life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 61 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Galilee27×
- of Galilee11×
- Galilee.9×
- of Galilee,5×
- Galilee,4×
- Galilee;3×
- of Galilee.2×
- of Galilee —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Γαλιλαίας27×
- Γαλιλαίαν7×
- Γαλιλαίας,6×
- Γαλιλαίᾳ4×
- Γαλιλαίαν.4×
- Γαλιλαίας.¶3×
- Γαλιλαίαν,3×
- Γαλιλαίαν·2×
- Γαλιλαίαν.¶2×
- Γαλιλαίᾳ·1×
- Γαλιλαίᾳ.¶1×
- Γαλιλαίας.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:15
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
This verse identifies Galilee as 'Galilee of the Gentiles,' highlighting its role as a place of light and inclusion for those outside the Jewish heartland.
-
Matthew 28:7
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
The resurrection command to return to Galilee signals that the story continues in the place where discipleship began, offering reassurance after fear.
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Mark 1:14
Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom,
Jesus’ arrival in Galilee marks the start of his preaching campaign, showing that the Kingdom message is actively entering the world here.
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Matthew 4:23
Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
This summary describes Jesus’ holistic ministry across all Galilee, combining teaching, preaching, and healing to address both spiritual and physical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Galilee important in the Gospels?
What does 'Galilee of the Gentiles' mean?
Did Jesus stay in Galilee his whole life?
Every Occurrence (61 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 16 verses
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…
Matthew 3:13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
Matthew 4:12Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
Matthew 4:15“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
Matthew 4:18Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 4:23Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing…
Matthew 4:25Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
Matthew 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 17:22While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of…
Matthew 19:1When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.
Matthew 21:11The multitudes said, “This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Matthew 26:32But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
Matthew 27:55Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
Matthew 28:7Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…
Matthew 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…
Matthew 28:16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.