Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

30 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Galilee in the Bible

What does the Bible say about Galilee?

Galilee is the northern region of the land of Israel, around the Sea of Galilee. Isaiah called it "Galilee of the nations" (Isaiah 9:1). Jesus grew up in Nazareth of Galilee, did His first miracle at Cana, called fishermen by its sea, preached "throughout all Galilee" (Mark 1:39), and met His disciples there after rising (Matthew 28:16).

  1. Jesus preaches throughout Galilee
  2. Galilee of the Gentiles
  3. Jesus' home: Nazareth, Cana and Capernaum

Galilee in the Bible: Jesus preaches throughout Galilee

Most of Jesus' teaching and healing happened in Galilee.

5 verses

Matthew 4:23

KJV
King James Version

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 4:23

Mark 1:14

KJV
King James Version

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Mark 1:14

Mark 1:39

KJV
King James Version

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So He went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Mark 1:39

John 4:45

KJV
King James Version

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 4:45

Luke 3:1

KJV
King James Version

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 3:1

Galilee in the Bible: Galilee of the Gentiles

A land in darkness that God promised would see a great light.

6 verses

Isaiah 9:1

KJV
King James Version

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 9:1

Isaiah 9:2

KJV
King James Version

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 9:2

Matthew 4:15

KJV
King James Version

The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles —

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 4:15

2 Kings 15:29

KJV
King James Version

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Kings 15:29

Joshua 20:7

KJV
King James Version

And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 20:7

1 Kings 9:11

KJV
King James Version

(Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Kings 9:11

Galilee in the Bible: Jesus' home — Nazareth, Cana and Capernaum

6 verses

Luke 1:26

KJV
King James Version

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 1:26

Matthew 2:22

KJV
King James Version

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But when he learned that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 2:22

Luke 2:39

KJV
King James Version

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 2:39

Matthew 4:13

KJV
King James Version

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 4:13

John 2:1

KJV
King James Version

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 2:1

John 2:11

KJV
King James Version

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 2:11

Galilee in the Bible: By the Sea of Galilee

3 verses

Matthew 4:18

KJV
King James Version

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 4:18

Luke 5:1

KJV
King James Version

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 5:1

Matthew 15:29

KJV
King James Version

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Moving on from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up on a mountain and sat down.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 15:29

Galilee in the Bible: Can any good come out of Galilee?

Galileans were looked down on, yet God chose them.

4 verses

John 7:41

KJV
King James Version

Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Others declared, “This is the Christ.” But still others asked, “How can the Christ come from Galilee?

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 7:41

John 7:52

KJV
King James Version

They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Aren’t you also from Galilee?” they replied. “Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 7:52

Matthew 26:69

KJV
King James Version

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 26:69

Mark 14:70

KJV
King James Version

And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But he denied it again. After a little while, those standing nearby said once more to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Mark 14:70

Galilee in the Bible: Galilee after the resurrection

The risen Jesus met His disciples in Galilee, and the church grew there.

6 verses

Matthew 26:32

KJV
King James Version

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 26:32

Matthew 28:7

KJV
King James Version

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 28:7

Matthew 28:16

KJV
King James Version

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 28:16

John 21:1

KJV
King James Version

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus again revealed Himself to the disciples. He made Himself known in this way:

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 21:1

Acts 1:11

KJV
King James Version

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 1:11

Acts 9:31

KJV
King James Version

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 9:31

Short Bible verses about Galilee

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

3 verses

  • “And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.”

    Mark 1:39 KJV · 13 words

    Listen

  • “Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?”

    John 7:41 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”

    Matthew 26:32 KJV · 13 words

    Listen

The Greek and Hebrew words for Galilee

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about Galilee in the Bible

Why is Galilee called "Galilee of the Gentiles"?

Galilee lay on Israel's northern edge, close to many non-Jewish peoples, and Assyria carried its people away (2 Kings 15:29). Isaiah promised this dark land would see "a great light" (Isaiah 9:1-2), and Matthew says it came true when Jesus lived and preached there (Matthew 4:15-16).

Listen: Isaiah 9:1-2 · Matthew 4:15-16

Why was Galilee important to Jesus?

Galilee was home. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, made Capernaum His base (Matthew 4:13), called His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee, and "went about all Galilee" teaching, preaching and healing (Matthew 4:23). Much of His teaching and many of His miracles happened there.

Listen: Matthew 4:13 · Matthew 4:23

Why did Jesus tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee?

Before His death Jesus promised, "after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee" (Matthew 26:32). The angel repeated it at the empty tomb (Matthew 28:7). There the risen Lord sent the eleven to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that He commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).

Listen: Matthew 26:32 · Matthew 28:16-19

Why were Galileans looked down on?

The Pharisees thought no prophet could come from Galilee: "out of Galilee ariseth no prophet" (John 7:52). Galileans also had their own accent; Peter was found out because "thy speech agreeth thereto" (Mark 14:70). Yet God chose Galilee to see the light of the Messiah first (Matthew 4:15-16).

Listen: John 7:52 · Mark 14:70

Is the Sea of Galilee the same as Gennesaret and Tiberias?

Yes. The Bible calls the same lake the sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18), the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), and the sea of Tiberias (John 21:1). John puts two names together: "the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias" (John 6:1).

Listen: John 6:1 · Luke 5:1