Τιβεριάς (Tiberias)
Tiberias
(Sea of) Tiberias
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Tiberias refers to a city in Galilee situated on the western shore of the lake known as the Sea of Galilee. Named by Herod Antipas in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, the settlement served as a significant urban center in the region during the first century. The name itself reflects its imperial connection, linking the local geography to the political power of Rome.
Although it appears only three times in the New Testament, all within the Gospel of John, its presence marks key moments in Jesus’ ministry. The text places events such as the feeding of the five thousand and post-resurrection appearances near this location (John 6:1-23; 21:1). These references ground the narrative in a specific, real-world setting rather than an abstract landscape.
Translators often distinguish between the city and the body of water by using "Sea of Tiberias" or simply "the sea," depending on the context. This distinction helps readers visualize the geography where Jesus walked among his disciples. The word anchors the spiritual events in a tangible historical place, reminding readers that these encounters happened in a living community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Tiberias was a bustling city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, named for the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Its presence in the Gospels reminds us that Jesus’ ministry took place in real towns with real people, not just in empty wilderness. When the text mentions this location, it grounds the spiritual narrative in a tangible historical setting.
For your faith, this detail invites you to see God’s work in everyday life. The feeding of the five thousand and post-resurrection appearances happened near this busy port. It shows that divine encounters are not limited to sacred spaces but can occur in ordinary places where people gather. This connection between the political power of Rome and the humble ministry of Jesus highlights how God meets us in our daily routines.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Tiberias;1×
- of Tiberias.1×
- Tiberias1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Τιβεριάδος·1×
- Τιβεριάδος.1×
- Τιβεριάδος1×
Key Verses
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John 6:1
After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias.
This verse identifies the Sea of Galilee as the Sea of Tiberias, linking the location to the nearby city and establishing the geographical setting for the feeding of the five thousand.
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John 21:1
After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.
Here Jesus reveals Himself again to the disciples at this sea, marking a significant moment of restoration and commissioning after His resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tiberias mean?
How is the Sea of Tiberias different from the Sea of Galilee?
Why is Tiberias important in the Gospel of John?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
John 3 verses
After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias.
John 6:23However, boats from Tiberias came near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
John 21:1After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.