Jesus chose his twelve disciples in this area on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Most of the chapters in the New Testament describe what happened when he was living in Capernaum – from his baptism to the last week of his life. Jesus visited Jerusalem many times and that is where he was crucified, buried and resurrected, but the time Jesus spent in Jerusalem was relatively short.Ĭapernaum is where Jesus lived as he carried out his mission. However the people of Nazareth rejected him and so he traveled to Capernaum. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth.Īfter being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, Jesus returned to Nazareth. How is it that this small village, and not Jerusalem or Nazareth, came to be the town of Jesus? In the New Testament, too, Capernaum is referred to as the town of Jesus. It is not clear which Nachum the name refers to.Īt the entrance to Capernaum is a sign that reads ‘Capharnaum the town of Jesus’. The name ‘Capernaum’ has its origins in two Hebrew words: ‘kfar’ means village and ‘Nachum’ is a man’s name – Nachum’s village. Peter, all of which are often mentioned in the New Testament. It lies close to many other important biblical sites, such as Tabgha, the Church of the Beatitudes, and the Church of the Primacy of St. Referred to in the Bible as the town of Jesus, Capernaum is located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in northern Israel. Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.9 things you didn’t know about the Dead Sea and the Judaean Desert.9 unknown sites in the Old City of Jerusalem.Budget Accommodation in the Judean Desert.Guest Houses in the Old City of Jerusalem.Internationally successful Israeli musicians.Why do Germans have a hard time understanding the Israeli-Arab conflict?.10 things you didn’t know about the Israeli-Arab conflict.10 churches that tell the story of Jesus.Crosses and Christian symbols in Jerusalem.10 things travelers DON’T like about Israel.