Ναζαρέθ, Ναζαρά (Nazareth, Nazara)
Nazareth, Nazara
Nazareth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Nazareth refers to the small village in Galilee that served as Jesus’ home before his public ministry began. The sources indicate its meaning is likely "the guarded one," though the exact etymology remains uncertain. This modest town appears frequently in the Gospels, particularly in Luke and Matthew, marking it as a central location in the narrative of Christ’s early life.
Its significance lies not in political power but in its role as the setting for key events: the Annunciation to Mary, Jesus’ childhood there, and his later return to teach in the synagogue. The sources note that Jesus is explicitly identified as "Jesus of Nazareth" in Acts 10:38, linking his identity permanently to this place. Despite its obscurity, Nazareth becomes the backdrop for the incarnation’s fulfillment.
Translators consistently render this name without variation, preserving its Semitic form. The word itself carries no inherent theological weight beyond its geographical function, yet it underscores the humility of Jesus’ origins. Christians recognize Nazareth as the place where the divine entered ordinary human history, making it a symbol of God’s presence in everyday life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Nazareth is a small village in Galilee, best known as the place where Jesus grew up. It is not a city of great political power or fame, but it holds deep significance for Christians because it was here that God became human and lived an ordinary life. The name may mean "the guarded one," suggesting a quiet, protected setting for the incarnation.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God is present in everyday places. Jesus spent his childhood and early adulthood in Nazareth, working, praying, and living among neighbors. When Philip told Nathanael about Jesus, he simply said, "Come and see." This invitation invites you to look for God’s presence in the ordinary moments of your own life, trusting that holiness can be found in humble surroundings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nazareth6×
- Nazareth,3×
- Nazareth.2×
- of Nazareth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ναζαρὲθ4×
- Ναζαρὲτ2×
- Ναζαρέτ.1×
- Ναζαρέτ,1×
- Ναζαρέθ.¶1×
- Ναζαρέθ,1×
- Ναζαρά,1×
- Ναζαρὰ1×
Key Verses
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Luke 1:26
Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus’ earthly story, as the angel Gabriel is sent to this specific city to announce the birth of the Messiah.
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John 1:46
Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Nathanael’s skeptical question highlights the lowly reputation of the town, making Jesus’ origin from there even more surprising and significant.
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Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Peter uses this location to identify Jesus publicly, linking his identity permanently to Nazareth as the place where God anointed him with power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nazareth mean?
Why is Nazareth important in the Bible?
Where does the word Nazareth appear most?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he…
Matthew 4:13Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
Matthew 21:11The multitudes said, “This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”