Town · Galilee, beside the Sea of Galilee

Capernaum

Identification status

Ancient site widely accepted

Place profile

Capernaum serves as an important base during Jesus’ Galilean ministry. The Gospels place teaching, healings, disputes, and the calling of Matthew in or near the town.

Biblical setting

Galilee, beside the Sea of Galilee

Present-day setting

Ruins on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee

Connected people

Jesus

Teaches and performs healings here

Basis: Matthew 4; Mark 1–2

Open person

Peter

His household is associated with the town

Basis: Mark 1:21–34

Open person

Major events

Jesus settles in Capernaum

Matthew describes Jesus leaving Nazareth and living in Capernaum.

Matthew 4:12–17

Healing in a crowded house

Friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof to reach Jesus.

Mark 2:1–12

Teaching in the synagogue

John places extended teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

John 6:22–71