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Capernaum

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Capernaum is a Galilean town associated with Jesus’ teaching and miracles.

Detailed Definition
Capernaum serves in the Gospels as a center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, a lakeside town where healings, teachings, and disputes gather. It is also a place warned against pride because proximity to wonders does not guarantee transformation. In poetry, Capernaum may suggest a familiar neighborhood made sacred by attention, or the sorrow of witnessing marvels while remaining unchanged.
Example
Example in poetry:
Capernaum is the Galilean town associated with much of Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry.; A poet may use Capernaum to evoke a humble lakeside place made memorable by spiritual events.; “In Capernaum, nets held the morning’s silver light” joins the town with fishing and discipleship.; The name can also suggest the sorrow of a community that witnesses wonders yet fails to change.
Additional Notes
Capernaum, located beside the Sea of Galilee, becomes a central setting for Jesus’ ministry. The Gospels associate it with teaching in the synagogue, healings, and the calling of disciples. It is sometimes called Jesus’ “own city,” yet its lack of repentance also makes it an image of missed opportunity.
Other Meanings of “Capernaum”
Also Known As
Capharnaum Kfar Nahum Tell Hum
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