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Bethsaida

Locations
Modern Location Et-Tell, Israel
Coordinates 32.8967, 35.6350

Geographical Setting

Bethsaida was an ancient fishing village situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, identified with the archaeological site of Et-Tell.

What is the meaning of Bethsaida in the Bible?

Bethsaida was a city on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, traditionally identified as the hometown of the apostles Philip, Andrew, and Peter, and the site where Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Bethsaida's location on the Sea of Galilee clarifies the geographical context of Jesus's ministry in the region of Decapolis and highlights the fishing background of several key apostles.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Bethsaida (located near modern Et-Tell, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Bethsaida in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Bethsaida clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Bethsaida." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bethsaida/
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