1. Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem, "House of Bread")
City Description: Bethlehem is a historic city located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Jerusalem in the Judean hills. It is renowned as the birthplace of Jesus, as narrated in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts from the Iron Age, confirming its long-standing habitation.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus was born here, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s birthplace (Matthew 2:1-6).
2. Egypt (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim, possibly "Land of the Two Straits")
City Description: Egypt was a place of refuge for Jesus’ family when they fled from King Herod’s massacre of infants. The region was a hub for Jewish diaspora communities under Roman rule.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus lived here as a child while Joseph and Mary sought refuge from Herod’s decree (Matthew 2:13-15).
3. Nazareth (נָצְרַת, Natzrat, possibly "Branch" or "Shoot")
City Description: Nazareth is a town in Galilee, about 25 kilometers west of the Sea of Galilee. It was a small village in Jesus’ time with a close-knit Jewish community. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed first-century homes and other structures.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus grew up here, learning carpentry and attending synagogue. He proclaimed himself the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the synagogue but was rejected by the townspeople (Luke 4:16-30).
4. Cana (כָּנָה, Kana, meaning uncertain, possibly "Place of Reeds")
City Description: Cana is traditionally identified with the modern village of Kafr Kanna, located about 8 kilometers northeast of Nazareth. It was likely a small village during Jesus’ time.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus performed his first miracle here, turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11).
5. Capernaum (כְּפַר נַחוּם, Kfar Nahum, "Village of Nahum")
City Description: Capernaum, on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, was a fishing village with a synagogue and homes. It became Jesus’ base of operations during his Galilean ministry.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus taught in the synagogue, healed Peter’s mother-in-law, and performed many miracles, including healing a paralytic (Matthew 4:13-16, Mark 2:1-12).
6. Bethsaida (בֵּית צַיְדָה, Beit Tsaida, "House of Fishing")
City Description: Bethsaida was a fishing village near the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus healed a blind man and performed other miracles. He also preached to the townspeople (Mark 8:22-26).
7. Chorazin (כְּרוּזִין, K'ruzin, meaning uncertain)
City Description: Chorazin was a small town near Capernaum, known for its basalt stone structures. It was part of the region where Jesus ministered.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus performed miracles but later condemned the city for its lack of repentance (Matthew 11:20-21).
8. Nain (נָעִין, Na'in, "Pleasant")
City Description: Nain is a small village southwest of Mount Tabor in the Jezreel Valley. It was part of the region Jesus traveled during his Galilean ministry.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead as he entered the town, demonstrating his compassion and divine authority (Luke 7:11-17).
9. Gergesa (גֵּרְגֵשָׁה, Gergesha, meaning uncertain)
City Description: Gergesa is traditionally identified with Kursi on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was part of the Decapolis region.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus cast out a legion of demons from a man, allowing them to enter a herd of pigs that drowned in the sea (Matthew 8:28-34).
10. Gennesaret (גִּנֵּיסַר, Gennesar, "Garden of the Prince")
City Description: Gennesaret was a fertile plain on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was known for its agricultural richness.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus healed many sick people brought to him by the crowds and taught extensively in the area (Matthew 14:34-36, Mark 6:53-56).
11. Tyre (צוֹר, Tzor, "Rock")
City Description: Tyre was an ancient Phoenician port city on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its wealth and trade, it was a major hub during Jesus’ time.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus healed the demon-possessed daughter of a Syrophoenician woman who displayed great faith (Mark 7:24-30).
12. Sidon (צִידוֹן, Tzidon, "Fishing")
City Description: Sidon was a significant Phoenician city north of Tyre, known for its maritime trade and production of glass and purple dye.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus passed through Sidon during his ministry, healing people and preaching (Mark 7:31).
13. Decapolis (דֶּקָפוֹלִיס, Dekapolis, "Ten Cities")
City Description: Decapolis was a group of ten cities with Greco-Roman culture, east of the Jordan River. The cities were centers of trade and governance.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus healed a demon-possessed man and sent him to spread the news of his healing in the region (Mark 5:20).
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14. Caesarea Philippi (קֵיסָרְיָה פִּילִפִּי, Keisarya Philippi, named after Caesar and Philip)
City Description: Caesarea Philippi was a Greco-Roman city located at the base of Mount Hermon, near the sources of the Jordan River. Known for its pagan temples, it was a major political and cultural center.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” leading to Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-20).
15. Jericho (יְרִיחוֹ, Yericho, possibly "Fragrant" or "Moon City")
City Description: Jericho, located in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It was a major trade and agricultural hub.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus healed two blind men on his way out of Jericho and brought salvation to Zacchaeus, a tax collector, during his visit (Matthew 20:29-34, Luke 19:1-10).
16. Bethany (בֵּית עַנְיָה, Beit Anya, "House of Affliction" or "House of Figs")
City Description: Bethany is a village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. It was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, visited Mary and Martha, and stayed here before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 11:1-44, Matthew 21:17).
17. Bethphage (בֵּית פַּגֵּי, Beit Pagei, "House of Unripe Figs")
City Description: Bethphage was a small village on the Mount of Olives, near Bethany and Jerusalem.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus sent two disciples to find a donkey for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy (Matthew 21:1-7).
18. Gethsemane (גַּת שְׁמָנִים, Gat Shmanim, "Oil Press")
City Description: Gethsemane is a garden located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, known for its olive trees and its association with Jesus’ arrest.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus prayed in anguish before his arrest, asking God for strength to face his crucifixion. He was betrayed and arrested here (Matthew 26:36-56, Luke 22:39-53).
19. Gabbatha (גַּבַּתָּא, Gabbata, "The Pavement")
City Description: Gabbatha was a paved area in Jerusalem, part of the Antonia Fortress near the Temple Mount. It was the location of Jesus’ trial before Pilate.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate at Gabbatha (John 19:13).
20. Golgotha (גֻּלְגֹּלֶתָא, Gulgolta, "Place of the Skull")
City Description: Golgotha, or Calvary, was the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, located outside the walls of Jerusalem.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus was crucified here, fulfilling his mission to atone for the sins of humanity. He died and was buried nearby (Matthew 27:33-50, John 19:16-30).
21. Emmaus (עִמָּאוֹס, Immaus, meaning uncertain, possibly "Warm Springs")
City Description: Emmaus was a village about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Jerusalem, though its exact location is debated.
What Jesus Did in This City: After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining the Scriptures and revealing himself during the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-35).
22. Sychar (שְׁכָר, Shekhar, meaning uncertain)
City Description: Sychar was a Samaritan town near Jacob’s Well, close to modern-day Askar. It was located between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well, offering her “living water” and revealing himself as the Messiah. Many Samaritans believed in him because of this encounter (John 4:1-42).
23. Aenon near Salim (עֵינוֹן לְיַד שָׁלִים, Einon leYad Shalim, "Springs near Salim")
City Description: Aenon near Salim was a place with abundant water, likely near the Jordan River.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus baptized and taught in the region alongside John the Baptist (John 3:22-23).
24. Bethabara (בֵּית עֲבָרָה, Beit Avara, "House of the Crossing")
City Description: Bethabara, also called Bethany beyond the Jordan, was a place of baptism located east of the Jordan River.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist here, marking the beginning of his public ministry (John 1:28-34).
25. Magdala (מִגְדָּלָא, Migdal, "Tower")
City Description: Magdala was a fishing village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ followers.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus likely preached in the synagogue and ministered to the local people. Mary Magdalene became one of his followers here (Luke 8:2).
26. Decapolis (Gadara) (דֶּקָפוֹלִיס, Dekapolis, "Ten Cities")
City Description: Gadara, a city of the Decapolis, was located southeast of the Sea of Galilee.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, sending the demons into a herd of pigs (Matthew 8:28-34).
27. Mount of Olives (הַר הַזֵּיתִים, Har HaZeitim, "Mount of Olives")
City Description: The Mount of Olives is a hill east of Jerusalem, overlooking the city. It was a site of religious significance.
What Jesus Did in This City: Jesus taught about the end times, prayed before his arrest, and ascended to heaven from here (Matthew 24:3, Acts 1:9-12).
28. Tiberias (טְבֶרְיָה, Tverya, named after Emperor Tiberius)
City Description: Tiberias was built by Herod Antipas on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It became a major Roman administrative center.
What Jesus Did in This City: Although not explicitly mentioned in the Gospels, Jesus’ ministry often occurred near Tiberias, and it is referenced in connection to the Sea of Galilee (John 6:1).