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Tiberias

Locations
Modern Location Tiberias, Israel
Coordinates 32.7928, 35.5258

Geographical Setting

Tiberias is a historic city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, founded in the first century CE and renowned as a center of Jewish scholarship.

What is the meaning of Tiberias in the Bible?

Tiberias was established by Herod Antipas around 26 CE on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, serving as the administrative capital of Galilee during the Roman period. It subsequently developed into a major center for Jewish scholarship, where the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud were compiled.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Tiberias provides essential context for the development of Rabbinic Judaism, as the compilation of the Mishnah and Jerusalem Talmud in this city preserved Jewish law and tradition during a period of significant political change, offering insight into the religious landscape referenced in the New Testament era.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Tiberias (located near modern Tiberias, 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 Tiberias in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Tiberias 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

"Tiberias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tiberias/
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