Reference: Bethsaida
American
Place of fishing, 1. A city in Galilee, on the western shore of the lake of Gennesareth, a little north of Capernaum; it was the birthplace of the apostles Philip, Andrew, and Peter, and was often visited by our Lord, Mt 11:21; Mr 6:45; 8:22.
2. A city in Gaulonitis, north of the same lake, and east of the Jordan. Near this place Christ fed the five thousand. It lay on a gentle hill near the Jordan separated from the sea of Galilee by a plain three miles wide, of surpassing fertility, Lu 9:10. Compare Mt 14:13-22; Mr 6:31-45. This town was enlarged by Philip, tetrarch of that region, Lu 3:1, and called Julias in honor of Julia, the daughter of Augustus. It is now little but ruins.
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Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power, which were done in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes, had they repented.
And Jesus, hearing it, retired from thence in a boat, into a desert place, apart, - and the multitudes, hearing of it, followed him on foot from the cities. And, coming forth, he saw a great multitude, - and was moved with compassion a over them, and cured their sick. read more. And, evening, arriving, the disciples came unto him, saying - The place is, a desert, and, the hour, hath already passed, - dismiss the multitudes, that they may go away into the villages, and buy themselves food. But, Jesus, said unto them, No need, have they to go away, - give, ye, them to eat. But, they, say unto him - We have nothing here, save five loaves and two fishes. But, he, said - Bring, them, to me, here. And, giving orders that the multitudes should recline upon the grass, - taking the five loaves and the two fishes, - looking up into the heaven, he blessed; and, breaking, gave, the disciples, the loaves, and the disciples unto the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled, - and they took up the remainder of the broken pieces, twelve baskets, full. And, they who did eat, were about five thousand, men, besides women and children. And straightwayconstrained he the disciples to enter into a boat, and be going before him unto the other side, while he dismissed the multitudes.
And he saith unto them - Come, ye yourselves, apart, into a desert place, and rest yourselves a little. For they who were coming and they who were going were many, and, not even to eat, were they finding fitting opportunity. And they departed, in the boat, into a desert place, apart. read more. And many saw them going away, and took note of it, and, afoot, from all the cities, ran they together thither, - and outwent them. And, coming forth, he saw, a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them, because they were like sheep having no shepherd, and he began to be teaching them many things. And, already, a late hour, having arrived, his disciples came unto him and were saying, A desert, is the place, and it is, already, a late hour: dismiss them, that, departing into the surrounding hamlets and villages, they may buy themselves something to eat. But, he, answering said to them - Ye, give them, to eat. And they say unto him - Shall we depart and buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give them to eat? And, he, saith unto them - How many loaves, have ye? Go, see! And, getting to know, they say - Five, and, two fishes. And he gave them orders, that all should be made recline, in parties, upon, the green grass. And they fell back, in companies, by hundreds and by fifties. And, taking the five loaves, and the two fishes, looking up into heaven, he blessed, and brake up the loaves, and began giving unto the disciples, that they might set before them, and, the two fishes, divided he, unto all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up broken pieces, twelve baskets, full measure, and from the fishes. And they who did eat the loaves were, five thousand men. And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And they come into Bethsaida. And they bring unto him one blind, and beseech him that him, he would touch.
Now, in the fifteenth year of the supremacy of Tiberius Caesar, - Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and, Philip his brother, tetrarch of Ituraea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanius, tetrarch of Abylene, -
And the Apostles, returning, related to him what great things they had done. And, taking them aside, he retired privately, into a city called Bethsaida.
Easton
house of fish.
(1.) A town in Galilee, on the west side of the sea of Tiberias, in the "land of Gennesaret." It was the native place of Peter, Andrew, and Philip, and was frequently resorted to by Jesus (Mr 6:45; Joh 1:44; 12:21). It is supposed to have been at the modern 'Ain Tabighah, a bay to the north of Gennesaret.
(2.) A city near which Christ fed 5,000 (Lu 9:10; comp. Joh 6:17; Mt 14:15-21), and where the blind man had his sight restored (Mr 8:22), on the east side of the lake, two miles up the Jordan. It stood within the region of Gaulonitis, and was enlarged by Philip the tetrarch, who called it "Julias," after the emperor's daughter. Or, as some have supposed, there may have been but one Bethsaida built on both sides of the lake, near where the Jordan enters it. Now the ruins et-Tel.
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And, evening, arriving, the disciples came unto him, saying - The place is, a desert, and, the hour, hath already passed, - dismiss the multitudes, that they may go away into the villages, and buy themselves food. But, Jesus, said unto them, No need, have they to go away, - give, ye, them to eat. read more. But, they, say unto him - We have nothing here, save five loaves and two fishes. But, he, said - Bring, them, to me, here. And, giving orders that the multitudes should recline upon the grass, - taking the five loaves and the two fishes, - looking up into the heaven, he blessed; and, breaking, gave, the disciples, the loaves, and the disciples unto the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled, - and they took up the remainder of the broken pieces, twelve baskets, full. And, they who did eat, were about five thousand, men, besides women and children.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And they come into Bethsaida. And they bring unto him one blind, and beseech him that him, he would touch.
And the Apostles, returning, related to him what great things they had done. And, taking them aside, he retired privately, into a city called Bethsaida.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
and, entering into a boat, were going across the sea into Capernaum. And, dark, already, had it become, and, not yet, had Jesus reached them;
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
Fausets
("house of fish".) A city of Galilee, W. of and close to the sea of Tiberias, in the land of Gennesareth (Mr 6:45-53; Joh 6:16-17; 1:44; 12:21). Andrew, Peter, and Philip belonged to it, Near Capernaum and Chorazin (Mt 11:21; Lu 10:13). When Jesus fed the 5,000 on the N.E. of the lake, they entered into a boat to cross to Bethsaida (Mr 6:45), while John says" they went over the sea toward Capernaum." Being driven out of their course, Jesus came to them walking on the sea; they landed in Gennesaret and went to Capernaum; so that Bethsaida must have been near Capernaum.
In Lu 9:10-17 another Bethsaida, at the scene of feeding the 5,000, is mentioned (though the Curetonian Syriac and later Sinaitic omit it), which must have been therefore N.E. of the lake; the same as Julias, called from the emperor's daughter Julia. The miracle was wrought in a lonely "desert place," on a rising ground at the back of the town, covered with much "green grass" (Mr 6:39). In Mr 8:10-22 a Bethsaida on the E. side of the lake in Gaulonitis (now Jaulan) is alluded to; for Jesus passed by ship from Dalmanutha on the W. side "to the other side," i.e. to the E. side. Thus, Caesarea Philippi is mentioned presently after, Bethsaida being on the road to it; and the mount of the transfiguration, part of the Hermon range, above the source of the Jordan (Mr 9:2-3); the snow of Hermon suggested the image, "His raiment became white as snow."
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Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power, which were done in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes, had they repented.
Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power, which were done in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes, had they repented.
And he gave them orders, that all should be made recline, in parties, upon, the green grass.
And he gave them orders, that all should be made recline, in parties, upon, the green grass.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude. And, bidding them farewell, he departed into the mountain to pray.
And, bidding them farewell, he departed into the mountain to pray. And, when, evening, came, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and, he alone, on the land.
And, when, evening, came, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and, he alone, on the land. And, seeing them distressed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, - and was wishing to pass by them.
And, seeing them distressed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, - and was wishing to pass by them. But, they, seeing him, upon the sea, walking, supposed that it was an apparition, and cried out aloud;
But, they, seeing him, upon the sea, walking, supposed that it was an apparition, and cried out aloud; for, all, saw him, and were troubled. But, he, straightway, talked with them, and saith unto them - Take courage! it is, I - be not afraid!
for, all, saw him, and were troubled. But, he, straightway, talked with them, and saith unto them - Take courage! it is, I - be not afraid! And he went up unto them, into the boat, - and the wind lulled. And, exceedingly, within themselves, were they astonished;
And he went up unto them, into the boat, - and the wind lulled. And, exceedingly, within themselves, were they astonished; for they understood not by the loaves, - but their, heart, had been, hardened.
for they understood not by the loaves, - but their, heart, had been, hardened. And crossing over unto the land, they came unto Gennesaret, and cast anchor near.
And crossing over unto the land, they came unto Gennesaret, and cast anchor near.
And, straightway, entering into the boat with his disciples, he came into the parts of Dalmanutha;
And, straightway, entering into the boat with his disciples, he came into the parts of Dalmanutha; and forth came the Pharisees, and began discussing with him, seeking of him, a sign from the heaven, testing him.
and forth came the Pharisees, and began discussing with him, seeking of him, a sign from the heaven, testing him. And, deeply sighing in his spirit, he saith - Why, doth this generation seek, a sign? Verily, I say - there shall, not be given, to this generation, a sign.
And, deeply sighing in his spirit, he saith - Why, doth this generation seek, a sign? Verily, I say - there shall, not be given, to this generation, a sign. And leaving them, again, embarking, he departed unto the other side.
And leaving them, again, embarking, he departed unto the other side. And they forgot to take loaves, and, save one loaf, they had nothing with them in the boat.
And they forgot to take loaves, and, save one loaf, they had nothing with them in the boat. And he began charging them, saying - Mind! beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod!
And he began charging them, saying - Mind! beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod! And they began deliberating one with another, because they had no loaves.
And they began deliberating one with another, because they had no loaves. And, taking note, he saith unto them - Why do ye deliberate, because ye have no, loaves? Not yet perceive ye, neither understand, - keep ye your hearts, hardened?
And, taking note, he saith unto them - Why do ye deliberate, because ye have no, loaves? Not yet perceive ye, neither understand, - keep ye your hearts, hardened? Eyes having, see ye not? and ears having, hear ye not? and remember ye not
Eyes having, see ye not? and ears having, hear ye not? and remember ye not when, the five loaves, I brake unto the five thousand, how many baskets, full of broken pieces, ye took up? They say unto him - Twelve, -
when, the five loaves, I brake unto the five thousand, how many baskets, full of broken pieces, ye took up? They say unto him - Twelve, - When the seven, unto the four thousand, how many hampers, full measure, of broken pieces, ye took up? And they say unto him - Seven. And he was saying unto them -
When the seven, unto the four thousand, how many hampers, full measure, of broken pieces, ye took up? And they say unto him - Seven. And he was saying unto them - Not yet, do ye understand?
Not yet, do ye understand? And they come into Bethsaida. And they bring unto him one blind, and beseech him that him, he would touch.
And they come into Bethsaida. And they bring unto him one blind, and beseech him that him, he would touch.
And, after six days, Jesus taketh with him Peter and James and John, and bringeth them up into a high mountain, apart, alone, - and he was transformed before them;
And, after six days, Jesus taketh with him Peter and James and John, and bringeth them up into a high mountain, apart, alone, - and he was transformed before them; and his garments became brilliant, exceeding white, such as, no fuller on the earth, is able, so, to whiten.
and his garments became brilliant, exceeding white, such as, no fuller on the earth, is able, so, to whiten.
And the Apostles, returning, related to him what great things they had done. And, taking them aside, he retired privately, into a city called Bethsaida.
And the Apostles, returning, related to him what great things they had done. And, taking them aside, he retired privately, into a city called Bethsaida. But, the multitudes, getting to know, followed him; and, giving them welcome, he began speaking unto them concerning the kingdom of God, - and, them that had need of cure, he healed,
But, the multitudes, getting to know, followed him; and, giving them welcome, he began speaking unto them concerning the kingdom of God, - and, them that had need of cure, he healed, And, the day, began to decline; and the twelve, coming near, said to him - Dismiss the multitude, that, going into the surrounding villages and hamlets, they may lodge, and find provisions; because, here, in a desert place, are we.
And, the day, began to decline; and the twelve, coming near, said to him - Dismiss the multitude, that, going into the surrounding villages and hamlets, they may lodge, and find provisions; because, here, in a desert place, are we. But he said unto them - Give, ye, them to eat. They, however, said - We have not more than five loaves, and two fishes, - unless perhaps, we, should go, and buy food, for all this people.
But he said unto them - Give, ye, them to eat. They, however, said - We have not more than five loaves, and two fishes, - unless perhaps, we, should go, and buy food, for all this people. For there were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples - Make them recline, in companies of about fifty each.
For there were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples - Make them recline, in companies of about fifty each. And they did so, - and made, one and all, recline.
And they did so, - and made, one and all, recline. And, taking the five loaves, and the two fishes, looking up into heaven, he blessed them, and brake them up, and went on giving to the disciples, to set before the multitude;
And, taking the five loaves, and the two fishes, looking up into heaven, he blessed them, and brake them up, and went on giving to the disciples, to set before the multitude; and they did all eat and were filled. And that which remained over to them, was taken up, - of broken pieces, twelve baskets.
and they did all eat and were filled. And that which remained over to them, was taken up, - of broken pieces, twelve baskets.
Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power which have been down in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes sitting, they would have repented.
Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power which have been down in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes sitting, they would have repented.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
But, when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;
But, when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea; and, entering into a boat, were going across the sea into Capernaum. And, dark, already, had it become, and, not yet, had Jesus reached them;
and, entering into a boat, were going across the sea into Capernaum. And, dark, already, had it become, and, not yet, had Jesus reached them;
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
Hastings
A place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, whither Christ went after feeding the five thousand (Mr 6:45, cf. Lu 9:10), and where He healed a blind man (Mr 8:22); the home of Philip, Andrew, and Peter (Joh 1:44; 12:21). It was denounced by Christ for unbelief (Mt 11:21; Lu 10:13). The town was advanced by Philip the tetrarch from a village to the dignity of a city, and named Julias, in honour of C
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Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power, which were done in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes, had they repented.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And they come into Bethsaida. And they bring unto him one blind, and beseech him that him, he would touch.
And the Apostles, returning, related to him what great things they had done. And, taking them aside, he retired privately, into a city called Bethsaida.
Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power which have been down in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes sitting, they would have repented.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
Morish
Bethsa'ida
This name signifies 'house of fish.'
1. BETHSAIDA OF GALILEE, a town from whence came Philip, Andrew, and Peter, Joh 1:44; 12:21; and against which the Lord pronounced a 'woe' because it had not repented at His mighty works. Mt 11:21; Lu 10:13. After the Lord had fed the 5,000 on the east of Jordan He sent His disciples to Bethsaida on the western shore. Mr 6:45. It was near the shore on the west of the Sea of Galilee, in the same locality as Capernaum and Chorazin: there are ruins in the district, but its exact situation cannot be identified.
2. BETHSAIDA JULIAS, a town near the N.E. corner of the same lake. A blind man was cured there, Mr 8:22; and near to it the 5,000 were fed, Lu 9:10-17: also related in Mt 14:13-21; Mr 6:31-44; Joh 6:1-14. It was called 'Julias,' because Philip the tetrarch enlarged the town, giving it the above name in honour of Julia, daughter of Augustus. It is identified by some with et Tell, 32 54' N, 35 37' E. A few rude houses and heaps of stones are all that mark the spot. (The context of the above passages shows that the events recorded could not have taken place at or near the Bethsaida on the west of the lake.)
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Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power, which were done in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes, had they repented.
And Jesus, hearing it, retired from thence in a boat, into a desert place, apart, - and the multitudes, hearing of it, followed him on foot from the cities. And, coming forth, he saw a great multitude, - and was moved with compassion a over them, and cured their sick. read more. And, evening, arriving, the disciples came unto him, saying - The place is, a desert, and, the hour, hath already passed, - dismiss the multitudes, that they may go away into the villages, and buy themselves food. But, Jesus, said unto them, No need, have they to go away, - give, ye, them to eat. But, they, say unto him - We have nothing here, save five loaves and two fishes. But, he, said - Bring, them, to me, here. And, giving orders that the multitudes should recline upon the grass, - taking the five loaves and the two fishes, - looking up into the heaven, he blessed; and, breaking, gave, the disciples, the loaves, and the disciples unto the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled, - and they took up the remainder of the broken pieces, twelve baskets, full. And, they who did eat, were about five thousand, men, besides women and children.
And he saith unto them - Come, ye yourselves, apart, into a desert place, and rest yourselves a little. For they who were coming and they who were going were many, and, not even to eat, were they finding fitting opportunity. And they departed, in the boat, into a desert place, apart. read more. And many saw them going away, and took note of it, and, afoot, from all the cities, ran they together thither, - and outwent them. And, coming forth, he saw, a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them, because they were like sheep having no shepherd, and he began to be teaching them many things. And, already, a late hour, having arrived, his disciples came unto him and were saying, A desert, is the place, and it is, already, a late hour: dismiss them, that, departing into the surrounding hamlets and villages, they may buy themselves something to eat. But, he, answering said to them - Ye, give them, to eat. And they say unto him - Shall we depart and buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give them to eat? And, he, saith unto them - How many loaves, have ye? Go, see! And, getting to know, they say - Five, and, two fishes. And he gave them orders, that all should be made recline, in parties, upon, the green grass. And they fell back, in companies, by hundreds and by fifties. And, taking the five loaves, and the two fishes, looking up into heaven, he blessed, and brake up the loaves, and began giving unto the disciples, that they might set before them, and, the two fishes, divided he, unto all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up broken pieces, twelve baskets, full measure, and from the fishes. And they who did eat the loaves were, five thousand men. And, straightway, constrained he his disciples to enter into the boat, and be going forward to the other side, unto Bethsaida, - while, he, was dismissing the multitude.
And they come into Bethsaida. And they bring unto him one blind, and beseech him that him, he would touch.
And the Apostles, returning, related to him what great things they had done. And, taking them aside, he retired privately, into a city called Bethsaida. But, the multitudes, getting to know, followed him; and, giving them welcome, he began speaking unto them concerning the kingdom of God, - and, them that had need of cure, he healed, read more. And, the day, began to decline; and the twelve, coming near, said to him - Dismiss the multitude, that, going into the surrounding villages and hamlets, they may lodge, and find provisions; because, here, in a desert place, are we. But he said unto them - Give, ye, them to eat. They, however, said - We have not more than five loaves, and two fishes, - unless perhaps, we, should go, and buy food, for all this people. For there were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples - Make them recline, in companies of about fifty each. And they did so, - and made, one and all, recline. And, taking the five loaves, and the two fishes, looking up into heaven, he blessed them, and brake them up, and went on giving to the disciples, to set before the multitude; and they did all eat and were filled. And that which remained over to them, was taken up, - of broken pieces, twelve baskets.
Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida! Because, if, in Tyre and Zidon, had been done the works of power which have been down in you, of old, in sackcloth and ashes sitting, they would have repented.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
After these things, Jesus went away across the sea of Galilee, that is, of Tiberias; and there was following him a great multitude, because they had been viewing the signs which he did upon such as were sick. read more. But Jesus had gone up into the mountain, and, there, was sitting with his disciples. Now the passover was near, the feast of the Jews. So then Jesus, lifting up his eyes, and beholding that a great multitude was coming unto him, saith unto Philip - Whence are we to buy loaves, that these may eat? But, this, he was saying, to test him; for, he himself, knew, what he was about to do. Philip answered him - Two hundred denaries-worth of loaves, are not sufficient for them, that, each one, may take, a little. One from among his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith unto him - There is a little lad here, that hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes, - but, these, - what are they, for such numbers? Jesus said - Make the people recline. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men reclined, to the number of about five thousand. Jesus therefore took the loaves, and, giving thanks, went on distributing unto them that reclined; in like manner, of the small fishes also: as much as they were wishing. And, when they were well-filled, he saith unto his disciples - Gather up the broken pieces left over, that nothing be lost. So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets, with broken pieces out of the five barley loaves, - which were left over by them who had eaten. The people, therefore, seeing what signs he wrought, began to say - This, is, of a truth, the prophet who was to come into the world.
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
Smith
Bethsa'ida
(house of fish) of Galilee,
Joh 12:21
a city which was the native place of Andrew, Peter and Philip,
Joh 1:44; 12:21
in the land of Gennesareth,
comp. Mark 6:53 and therefore on the west side of the lake. By comparing the narratives in
and Luke 9:10-17 it appears certain that the Bethsaida at which the five thousand were fed must have been a second place of the same name on the east of the lake. (But in reality "there is but one Bethsaida, that known on our maps at Bethsaida Julias." L. Abbot in Biblical and Oriental Journal. The fact is that Bethsaida was a village on both sides of the Jordan as it enters the sea of Galilee on the north, so that the western part of the village was in Galilee and the eastern portion in Gaulonitis, part of the tetrarchy of Philip. This eastern portion was built up into a beautiful city by Herod Philip, and named by him Bethsaida Julias, after Julia the daughter of the Roman emperor Tiberius Caesar. On the plain of Butaiha, a mile or two to the east, the five thousand were fed. The western part of the town remained a small village.--ED.)
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And, bidding them farewell, he departed into the mountain to pray.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.
Watsons
BETHSAIDA, a city whose name in Hebrew imports a place of fishing or of hunting, and for both of these exercises it was well situated. As it belonged to the tribe of Naphtali, it was in a country remarkable for plenty of deer; and as it lay on the north end of the lake Gennesareth, just where the river Jordan runs into it, it became the residence of fishermen. Three of the Apostles, Philip, Andrew, and Peter, were born in this city. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, though it frequently occurs in the New: the reason is, that it was but a village, as Josephus tells us, till Philip the tetrarch enlarged it, making it a magnificent city, and gave it the name of Julias, out of respect to Julia, the daughter of Augustus Caesar.
The evangelists speak of Bethsaida; and yet it then possessed that name no longer: it was enlarged and beautified nearly at the same time as Caesarea, and called Julias. Thus was it called in the days of our Lord, and so would the sacred historians have been accustomed to call it. But if they knew nothing of this, what shall we say of their age? In other respects they evince the most accurate knowledge of the circumstances of the time. The solution is, that, though Philip had exalted it to the rank of a city, to which he gave the name of Julias, yet, not long afterward, this Julia, in whose honour the city received its name, was banished from the country by her own father. The deeply wounded honour of Augustus was even anxious that the world might forget that she was his daughter. Tiberius, whose wife she had been, consigned the unfortunate princess, after the death of Augustus, to the most abject poverty, under which she sank without assistance. Thus adulation must under two reigns have suppressed a name, from which otherwise the city might have wished to derive benefit to itself; and for some time it was called by its ancient name Bethsaida instead of Julias. At a later period this name again came into circulation, and appears in the catalogue of Jewish cities by Pliny. By such incidents, which are so easily overlooked, and the knowledge of which is afterward lost, do those who are really acquainted with an age disclose their authenticity. "But it is strange," some one will say, "that John reckons this Bethsaida, or Julias, where he was born, in Galilee, Joh 12:21. Should he not know to what province his birthplace belonged?" Philip only governed the eastern districts by the sea of Tiberias; but Galilee was the portion of his brother Antipas. Bethsaida or Julias could therefore not have been built by Philip, as the case is; or it did not belong to Galilee, as John alleges. In fact, such an error were sufficient to prove that this Gospel was not written by John. Julias, however, was situated in Gaulonitis, which district was, for deep political reasons, divided from Galilee; but the ordinary language of the time asserted its own opinion, and still reckoned the Gaulonitish province in Galilee. When, therefore, John does the same, he proves, that the peculiarity of those days was not unknown to him; for he expresses himself after the ordinary manner of the period. Thus Josephus informs us of Judas the Gaulonite from Gamala, and also calls him in the following chapters, the Galilean; and then in another work he applies the same expression to him; from whence we may be convinced that the custom of those days paid respect to a more ancient division of the country, and bade defiance, in the present case, to the then existing political geography. Is it possible that historians who, as it is evident from such examples, discover throughout so nice a knowledge of geographical arrangements and local and even temporary circumstances, should have written at a time when the theatre of events was unknown to them, when not only their native country was destroyed, but their nation scattered, and the national existence of the Jews extinguished and extirpated? On the contrary, all this is in proof that they wrote at the very period which they profess, and it also proves the usual antiquity assigned to the Gospels.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
These, therefore, came unto Philip, him who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, - and were requesting him, saying - Sir! We desire to see, Jesus.