Capernaum
/ˌkæpərˈneɪəm/noun
A town on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee mentioned in the New Testament.
Did you know?The name is traditionally understood as Hebrew/Aramaic Kfar Nahum, meaning “village of Nahum,” though the exact identity of Nahum is uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew/Aramaic
Semitic
Kfar Nahum
““Village of Nahum” or “Nahum’s village,” a place name in Galilee.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Kapharnaoúm
“Greek transcription of the Semitic place name.”
Late Latin
Latin
Capharnaum
“Latinized biblical place name.”
Middle English
English
Cafarnaum / Capernaum
“Biblical town name used in translations and religious writing.”
Modern English
English
Capernaum
“The New Testament town on the Sea of Galilee.”