After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

JOHN 6:1KJV
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John 6:1 (KJV)

What does John 6:1 mean?

John 6:1 describes Jesus traveling across the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Sea of Tiberias. This verse sets the scene for the events that will follow, showing a change in location as Jesus moves to a new area.

In this verse, the writer of the Gospel of John is narrating what Jesus did after earlier events. The Sea of Galilee and the Sea of Tiberias are two names for the same body of water in northern Israel. By mentioning both names, the verse helps readers from different backgrounds recognize the place being described.

The Greek behind John 6:1

  • θάλασσα (thalassa, transliterated as "sea"): This word means "sea" or "lake" and is used here to describe the large freshwater lake in Galilee. The use of "sea" emphasizes its size and importance in the region.
  • Τιβεριάς (Tiberias, transliterated as "Tiberias"): This is the Roman name for the area, named after the emperor Tiberius. Including this name shows the influence of Roman culture and helps readers unfamiliar with local geography identify the location.

Why John 6:1 matters

  • The verse marks a transition in Jesus’ ministry, moving the story to a new setting where significant events, like the feeding of the five thousand, will take place.
  • By using both "Sea of Galilee" and "Sea of Tiberias," the writer connects Jewish and Gentile audiences, making the story accessible to a wider group of readers.
  • The mention of travel "after these things" signals a break from previous events, helping readers follow the timeline and flow of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Tiberias” Greek G5085 · used in 3 verses

  • John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
  • John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

“over” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
  • Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

“sea” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;