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Capernaum

CAPER'NAUM (ka-per'na-um; "town of Nahum").

A city of Galilee, frequently mentioned by the evangelists in connection with the life of our Lord. It was on the western shore of the "Sea of Galilee" (Mt. 4:13; Jn 6:24).

It was of sufficient size to be called a "city" (Mt. 9:1; Mk 1:33), and had its own synagogue, in which our Lord frequently taught.

It had a customs station. Capernaum was the residence of Jesus and His apostles, and the scene of many miracles and discourses. At Nazareth He was "brought up," but Capernaum was called His "own city"; it was when He returned to it that He is said to have been "at home" (Mk 2:1). Here He chose the evangelist Matthew, or Levi (Mt. 9:9>. The brothers Simon Peter and Andrew belonged to Capernaum (Mk 1:29).

The doom pronounced against Capernaum and the other unbelieving cities (Mt. 11:23) has been remarkably fulfilled. The town has completely disappeared. The site isstill a matter of debate.