TABGHA (Feeding of 5,000 site)

A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 Tabgha historically marks the region mentioned in the New Testament narratives where Jesus fed the 5,000 (Mt. 14:19, Mark 6:41, Luke 9:16, and John 6:11).  The Arabic name Tabgha comes from the older greek name of the site, Heptapegon, which means “seven springs, a reference to the springs found in this area.  The site did not become famous until the approximately the end of the 4th century A.D. when the pilgrim Egeria mentions the Heptapegon church in her travel journal.  Since that time, the site became a holy site visited by many pilgrims.  The church has been entrusted to the care of a small community of Benedictine monks.

Tabgha is located on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee, just a mere 2 miles south of Capernaum.

B. BIBLICAL REFERENCES

1.  Matthew 14:13-21 (and other Gospel accounts).  This reference lists the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000.  Some refer to this miracle as the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.

C. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS OF INTEREST

1.   BYZANTINE PERIOD:   A late 4th century or early 5th century basilica church stands on these grounds,commemo- rating Jesus’ miracle.  The church is common- ly called The Church of the Loaves and Fishes.  A beautiful mosaic, made from small cut pieces of colored stone called tessarae, can be seen depicting the miracle itself.  Interestingly, the outer walls of the original church apparently did not form a rectangle, but a trapezoid.  The north wall of the building was built at an angle (probably to avoid a road and thus preserving the position of the altar).  The original building was 182 feet long and 108 feet across on the wider end.  Between the north and south arms of the transpet was the altar area.  Here is a block of chipped, un- dressed limestone. 

One tradition says that Jesus preached while sitting on this stone.  Another tradition says that this was the rock on which Jesus laid the loaves.  The 4th century pilgrim Egeria reported in her diary, “The stone on which the Lord placed the bread has now been made into an alter.”