Pronunciation Guide: pah-rah-thah-LAHS-see-os
Quick Answer: παραθαλάσσιος describes locations “beside the sea” or “coastal,” appearing only once in Matthew 4:13 to describe Capernaum where Jesus established His Galilean ministry base. This geographical term carries profound theological significance as it marks the transition from rejection in Nazareth to acceptance among diverse coastal communities.

Key Information
παραθαλάσσιος

Strong’s Entry
g3864
parathalassios (par-ath-al-as’-see-os) adj.1. along the sea, i.e. maritime (lacustrine)[from G3844 and G2281]KJV: upon the sea coast Root(s): G3844, G2281
What Does παραθαλάσσιος Mean?
Strong’s G3864: παραθαλάσσιος fundamentally means “beside the sea,” “coastal,” or “maritime,” describing geographical locations situated adjacent to large bodies of water. In the New Testament, this compound adjective appears only in Matthew 4:13, where it specifically describes Capernaum as τὴν παραθαλασσίαν (the coastal one). The word carries deeper significance than mere geography—it represents the Messiah’s strategic choice to minister among cosmopolitan, trade-oriented communities rather than isolated hill towns. This coastal setting provided access to diverse populations including Jews, Gentiles, fishermen, tax collectors, and merchants, perfectly positioning Jesus to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy about light dawning in “Galilee of the Gentiles.” The maritime context also connects to Jesus’ calling of fishermen-disciples and His frequent use of nautical imagery in parables.
Key Insight: Coastal locations in biblical times were cultural crossroads where diverse peoples mingled, making them ideal for spreading universal gospel messages.
Where Does παραθαλάσσιος Come From?
- Part of Speech: Adjective (feminine form: παραθαλασσία, neuter: παραθαλάσσιον)
- Root Words: παρά (G3844 – beside, alongside) + θάλασσα (G2281 – sea, lake)
- Language Origin: Classical Greek compound formation
- Primary Usage: Geographical descriptor for coastal locations
- Hebrew Equivalents: יָם (yam – sea) with prepositions like עַל (al – upon) or אֵצֶל (etzel – beside)
What Is the Historical and Cultural Context of παραθαλάσσιος?
The compound παραθαλάσσιος emerges from classical Greek geographical terminology, extensively used by historians like Herodotus, Xenophon, Thucydides, Polybius, and Diodorus to describe coastal settlements throughout the Mediterranean world. These ancient historians employed παραθαλάσσιος when distinguishing maritime communities from inland territories, recognizing that coastal locations possessed distinct economic, cultural, and strategic characteristics.
In the Hellenistic period, παραθαλάσσιος locations were typically more cosmopolitan than interior settlements. Coastal cities served as commercial hubs where Greek, Roman, Jewish, and various ethnic communities intermingled through trade networks. The Sea of Galilee, though technically a freshwater lake, was treated linguistically as a θάλασσα (sea) by Matthew, Mark, and John, following Hebrew precedent where יָם (yam) could designate any significant body of water.
Archaeological Context
Capernaum, the specific παραθαλάσσιος location in Matthew 4:13, was a fishing village established during the Hasmonean period with approximately 1,500 residents in the first century AD. Archaeological excavations have revealed two ancient synagogues built one over the other, along with a house traditionally identified as Simon Peter’s residence, later converted into a Byzantine church. The town’s strategic location on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, along the Via Maris trade route connecting Damascus to Egypt, made it an ideal base for Jesus’ ministry.
Historical Summary: παραθαλάσσιος evolved from classical Greek geographical terminology into New Testament vocabulary, connecting Jesus’ ministry to cosmopolitan coastal culture.
How Is παραθαλάσσιος Used in the Bible?
παραθαλάσσιος appears only once in the New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon (word occurring only once) in biblical Greek. Its single appearance in Matthew 4:13 is strategically positioned within Matthew’s narrative to fulfill Old Testament prophecy and establish geographical context for Jesus’ Galilean ministry.
The word functions as a predicate adjective modifying Καφαρναούμ (Capernaum), emphasizing the coastal character of Jesus’ chosen ministry headquarters. Matthew’s use of παραθαλάσσιος connects directly to the Isaiah 9:1-2 quotation that follows, where the prophet speaks of “the way of the sea” (ὁδὸν θαλάσσης) as a place where great light would dawn for people sitting in darkness.
Septuagint Usage
While παραθαλάσσιος doesn’t appear in the Septuagint’s canonical books, the concept appears through other Greek constructions using παρά + θάλασσα to describe coastal locations in Israel’s geography.
Usage Summary: This single New Testament occurrence carries enormous theological weight, connecting Jesus’ ministry location to prophetic fulfillment and strategic accessibility.
- Matthew 4:13 – “leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum [παραθαλασσίαν], which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali”
How Should παραθαλάσσιος Be Translated?
Translation Tip: Context determines whether to emphasize location (“by the sea”), character (“coastal”), or strategic position (“seaside”).
παραθαλάσσιος Translation Options:
Translation | Context | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
“by the sea” | Geographical emphasis | Direct rendering emphasizing proximity to water body |
“coastal” | Adjectival usage | Emphasizes maritime character and cultural implications |
“seaside” | Descriptive location | Combines proximity with accessible, pleasant connotations |
“upon the sea coast” | Traditional rendering | KJV translation preserving formal, elevated tone |
“lakeside” | Modern geographical precision | Technically accurate for Sea of Galilee’s freshwater nature |
What Does παραθαλάσσιος Teach Us About God?
God’s choice of παραθαλάσσιος Capernaum as the Messiah’s ministry base reveals profound truths about His heart for all peoples. Rather than establishing headquarters in Jerusalem’s religious epicenter or rural isolation, Yahweh positioned His Son in a cosmopolitan crossroads where Jews and Gentiles naturally interacted. This strategic placement demonstrates God’s inclusive love and His desire for the gospel to reach beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries.
The coastal setting also reflects God’s sovereignty over both land and sea. Ancient peoples often feared the sea as chaotic and dangerous, yet Jesus walked on water, calmed storms, and called fishermen from these very waters. By choosing a παραθαλάσσιος location, God demonstrated His dominion over all creation while making His salvation accessible to diverse communities engaged in maritime commerce and fishing.
Theological Core: God strategically positions His redemptive work in accessible, diverse locations rather than isolated religious centers.
How Can I Apply παραθαλάσσιος to My Life?
Just as Jesus chose the παραθαλάσσιος crossroads of Capernaum rather than the religious isolation of Nazareth, we must position ourselves where we can effectively serve diverse communities. This might mean leaving comfort zones to engage secular workplaces, diverse neighborhoods, or culturally mixed environments where the gospel can naturally intersect with daily life. The coastal principle challenges us to be accessible bridges rather than isolated islands.
Consider how the “coastal” areas of your life—places where different worlds meet—might become strategic locations for ministry. Whether it’s your workplace, neighborhood, or recreational activities, these παραθαλάσσιος spaces offer unique opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love across cultural and social boundaries.
Self-Examination Questions: Where are the “coastal crossroads” in my life where diverse people naturally gather? How can I position myself to be more accessible for gospel conversations? Am I hiding in religious “hill towns” or engaging in secular “seaside” communities?
What Words Are Similar to παραθαλάσσιος?
Greek Word | Definition | How It Differs |
---|---|---|
θάλασσα (thalassa) | “sea, lake” – See G2281 | The basic word for sea itself, while παραθαλάσσιος describes location beside the sea |
παραλία (paralia) | “seashore, coast” – See G3882 | Specifically the beach or shoreline, whereas παραθαλάσσιος describes the broader coastal region |
πέλαγος (pelagos) | “open sea, deep” – See G3989 | The deep, open ocean as opposed to coastal areas described by παραθαλάσσιος |
Did You Know?
- What does παραθαλάσσιος mean in modern Greek? Modern Greek retains παραθαλάσσιος (πάραθαλάσσιος) with the same meaning of “coastal” or “seaside,” commonly used in tourism and geography.
- How did classical authors use παραθαλάσσιος? Herodotus, Xenophon, Thucydides, Polybius, and Diodorus employed παραθαλάσσιος to distinguish maritime settlements from inland territories, recognizing their distinct strategic and cultural characteristics.
- What’s the difference between παραθαλάσσιος and παραλία? παραθαλάσσιος describes the broader coastal region or settlement, while παραλία specifically refers to the beach or shoreline itself.
- Why does the Bible use παραθαλάσσιος in Matthew 4:13? Matthew uses this term to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy about “the way of the sea” and to emphasize Capernaum’s strategic location for reaching diverse populations.
- How does παραθαλάσσιος relate to the Great Commission? The coastal, crossroads nature of παραθαλάσσιος Capernaum foreshadowed Jesus’ command to reach “all nations,” beginning with the diverse communities of Galilee.
- What causes isolation in ministry today? Just as Nazareth’s hill-town isolation limited Jesus’ effectiveness there, modern believers can become ineffective by avoiding the “coastal crossroads” where diverse people naturally gather.
- The only New Testament παραθαλάσσιος reference occurs at the exact geographical and theological center of Jesus’ public ministry – Capernaum became His ministry headquarters, the place where He performed more miracles than anywhere else, yet later pronounced the severest judgment upon for rejecting His message despite witnessing His greatest works.
Remember This
Key Takeaway: παραθαλάσσιος reminds us that God strategically positions His work in accessible crossroads rather than isolated religious enclaves, calling us to engage diverse communities with the gospel.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
Strong's g3864
Add Comment
God's Word is too vast for a single perspective. We all have a story, and as believers we all carry the Holy Spirit who is the Revealer. With this in mind - I would love to read your comments.