Lake
LocationsGeographical Setting
A freshwater lake in northern Israel, historically known as the Sea of Galilee or Lake of Gennesaret, situated within the Jordan Rift Valley.
What is the meaning of Lake in the Bible?
In biblical geography, the term 'lake' primarily refers to the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret, while occasionally appearing in apocalyptic literature as the 'lake of fire'; natural lakes are geographically rare in Syria and Palestine.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between the literal Sea of Galilee and metaphorical references clarifies the historical setting of Jesus' ministry and the agricultural context of the region.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Lake in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lake clarify?
Related Topics
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.