Cities & towns · Galilee

Capernaum

What was Capernaum?

Capernaum, a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, became Jesus’ home base and saw more of his miracles than any other place.

TodayThe ruins of Kfar Nahum on the Sea of Galilee, Israel

SettingNorth shore of the Sea of Galilee

Known asJesus’ ministry headquarters

TradeFishing town

When Nazareth rejected him, Jesus settled in Capernaum on the lake’s northern shore. Matthew calls it “his own city,” and its synagogue heard much of his teaching.

Here Jesus healed a centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, a paralytic lowered through the roof, and many more. Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew were all called in or near the town.

Yet for all its privilege, Capernaum did not repent — Jesus warned it would be brought down, and today only ruins remain beside the lake.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 4:13 “Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,” Mark 2:1 “A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home,” Matthew 11:23 “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.”

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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.