Sacred Waters: Τιβεριάς (Strong’s G5085: Tiberias) Witnesses Messiah’s Ministry

Strong’s G5085: A proper noun identifying both the city and sea named after Emperor Tiberius. Located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, it became significant in Jesus’ ministry as the setting for miracles and teachings about God’s kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

Τιβεριάς represents more than just a geographical location in the New Testament; it marks a significant setting for Jesus’ ministry. Named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius, this city and the sea it bordered became witness to several of Jesus’ most powerful miracles, including the feeding of the five thousand and His post-resurrection appearance. The early church recognized this location’s significance as a place where both Jews and Gentiles encountered the Messiah’s power. Today, it reminds believers of how Jesus used ordinary locations to demonstrate extraordinary divine authority, transforming a Roman-named city into a witness of God’s kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τιβεριάς, Tiberias, /ti-be-ree-AS/
• Detailed pronunciation: tih-beh-ree-AHS (emphasis on AHS)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Named after Tiberius Caesar
• -άς (-as) – Greek nominal suffix for place names
• Hellenized form of Latin Tiberius

D – Defining Meanings

• City of Tiberias
• Sea of Tiberias (alternate name for Sea of Galilee)
• Region around Tiberias

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a place name derived from a personal name

Translation Options:

• “Tiberias” – Direct transliteration, most common
• “City of Tiberias” – When emphasizing the urban location
• “Sea of Tiberias” – When referring to the lake

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Γεννησαρέτ (Gennesaret) /gen-nay-SA-ret/ – another name for the same lake. See G1082
• Γαλιλαία (Galilaia) /ga-li-LAI-ah/ – the broader region. See G1056
• Καπερναούμ (Kapernaoum) /ka-per-na-OOM/ – nearby city. See G2584

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a Proper Noun:

• Case: Nominative/Genitive/Dative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First/Third mixed

Case forms:

• Nominative: Τιβεριάς
• Genitive: Τιβεριάδος
• Dative: Τιβεριάδι
• Accusative: Τιβεριάδα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Τιβεριάς’s significance as both a city and sea name in the Gospel narratives. Thayer’s notes its establishment as a Roman administrative center under Herod Antipas. LSJ documents its importance in regional commerce and culture. Vine’s highlights its connection to Jesus’ ministry events. Strong’s connects it to the emperor’s name and regional significance. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in administrative documents. The synthesis reveals a location that, despite its Roman origins, became central to the Gospel narrative and early Christian memory.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of [Tiberias] [Τιβεριάς].” John 6:1

Additional References:
John 6:23
John 21:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Τιβεριάς stands as a testament to how King Jesus transforms human institutions for divine purposes. Though named for a Roman emperor, this location became the setting for demonstrations of true Kingdom authority. The good news is shown in how Jesus used this Gentile-named city and its waters as the backdrop for feeding thousands, walking on water, and appearing after His resurrection. It reminds us that He claims all places, regardless of their origins, for His glory and purpose.

D – Did You Know?

1. The city was initially avoided by religious Jews due to its construction over a cemetery.
2. It became a major center of Jewish learning after Jerusalem’s fall.
3. The name survives today in modern Tiberias (Teverya in Hebrew).

Strong’s G5085: A proper noun identifying both the city and sea named after Emperor Tiberius. Located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, it became significant in Jesus’ ministry as the setting for miracles and teachings about God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: geography, cities, sea, Galilee, Roman Empire, miracles, ministry, Jesus, locations, Holy Land, water, history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​