Back to Search

Gerasa; Gerasenes

Locations
Modern Location Kursi (Tel Kursi), Israel
Coordinates 32.8067, 35.6350

Geographical Setting

An ancient Decapolis city located on the southeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, identified with the region of the Gerasenes in New Testament narratives.

What is the meaning of Gerasa; Gerasenes in the Bible?

The region of the Gerasenes denotes a territory on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, traditionally identified with the site of Kursi, where biblical accounts describe Jesus healing a demoniac and destroying a herd of swine.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding this location clarifies the geographical context of Jesus' ministry beyond Jewish borders, highlighting the spread of his influence into Gentile territories and the cultural interactions described in the Gospels.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Gerasa; Gerasenes (located near modern Kursi (Tel Kursi), 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 Gerasa; Gerasenes in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Gerasa; Gerasenes 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

"Gerasa; Gerasenes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gerasa-gerasenes/
Report Error