What was Capernaum in the Bible?
Capernaum was a significant town in the ministry of Jesus, located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name Capernaum means village of Nahum in Hebrew. It was a thriving town in the time of Jesus, with a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles. Capernaum is mentioned in several passages in the New Testament:
1. **Matthew 4:13** – Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This verse highlights how Jesus made Capernaum his home base for ministry.
2. **Matthew 8:5** – When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. This verse shows the encounter between Jesus and the centurion in Capernaum, where Jesus healed the centurion’s servant.
3. **Matthew 11:23** – And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Jesus pronounces judgment on Capernaum for its unbelief despite witnessing his miracles.
4. **Matthew 17:24** – After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?’ This verse shows another event that took place in Capernaum.
5. **Mark 1:21** – They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. Jesus often taught in the synagogue in Capernaum, demonstrating his authority.
6. **John 2:12** – After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. This verse highlights another visit of Jesus to Capernaum with his family and disciples.
Capernaum was a place where Jesus performed many miracles, taught profound truths, and encountered both faith and unbelief. It holds a significant place in the Gospel narratives as a hub of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee.