Verse Map — Biblical World 3D

Jerusalem Psalm 122:6

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands over the traditional sites of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Built in 326 AD under Emperor Constantine, it has been the central pilgrimage destination of Christianity for over seventeen centuries.

Bethlehem Micah 5:2

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.”

The Church of the Nativity covers the cave where Christ was born. The original basilica was commissioned by Constantine in 327 AD, making it one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

Nazareth Matthew 2:23

“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.”

The Basilica of the Annunciation marks the home where the angel Gabriel announced the incarnation to Mary. The current basilica (1969) covers Crusader and Byzantine remains atop the first-century house.

Capernaum Matthew 4:13

“And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast.”

Capernaum was Christ's adopted home town and base of His Galilean ministry. The white limestone synagogue ruins (4th century) sit atop the foundations of the synagogue where Jesus preached.

Sea of Galilee Mark 1:16

“Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.”

The Sea of Galilee — Lake Tiberias — is the setting of much of Christ's ministry: the calling of the fishermen, the calming of the storm, the walking on water, and the feeding of the five thousand on its shores.

Mount of the Beatitudes Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The hillside above Capernaum where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount. The octagonal Church of the Beatitudes (1938) sits at its summit, each side bearing one of the eight beatitudes.

Cana of Galilee John 2:11

“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

Site of the wedding where Christ turned water into wine — His first public miracle. Two churches now stand here: the Catholic Wedding Church and the Greek Orthodox Wedding Church, both built atop earlier sanctuaries.

Gethsemane Matthew 26:36

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.”

The olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives where Christ prayed before His arrest. The Church of All Nations (1924), built with funding from twelve countries, enshrines the Rock of Agony.

Bethany John 11:18

“Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.”

The home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus — where Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. The current Church of St. Lazarus (1954) stands above remains of churches from the 4th, 6th, and 12th centuries.

Magdala Luke 8:2

“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.”

Hometown of Mary Magdalene. In 2009, a first-century synagogue was unearthed here — one of the few in which Christ may have actually taught. The Magdala Centre now preserves this archaeological site.

Emmaus Luke 24:13

“And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.”

The village where the risen Christ revealed Himself to two disciples in the breaking of bread. Byzantine and Crusader basilica ruins mark the traditional site at Emmaus Nicopolis.

Bethsaida John 1:44

“Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.”

Hometown of three apostles — Peter, Andrew, and Philip. Recent excavations have uncovered first-century houses and what may be the lost ancient city near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Jericho Joshua 6:20

“So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets... and the wall fell down flat.”

The oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Tell es-Sultan preserves walls dating to 9000 BC — and the layers where Joshua's army marched seven times around in conquest.

Hebron Genesis 23:19

“And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.”

Burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. The current structure over the Cave of the Patriarchs was built by Herod the Great (37 BC) — the second oldest continuously used prayer building in the world after the Temple Mount enclosure.

Mount Sinai Exodus 19:20

“And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount.”

Where Moses received the Ten Commandments. St. Catherine's Monastery (built 548 AD) at the mountain's base is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world. It guards a manuscript library second only to the Vatican's.

Damascus Acts 9:3

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.”

Where Saul was struck down on the road and rose as Paul. The world's oldest continuously inhabited capital city, with a Christian community dating to the apostolic age. The Chapel of St. Paul marks the wall through which the disciples lowered him in a basket.

Maaloula Acts 26:14

“And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”

One of only three places in the world where Western Aramaic — the language Christ Himself spoke — is still spoken daily. Home to the monasteries of Mar Sarkis and Mar Taqla, dating to the 4th century.

Antioch Acts 11:26

“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Where followers of Christ were first called 'Christians.' The cave church of St. Peter — possibly the oldest church in the world — was founded here by the apostle Peter himself. The Patriarchate of Antioch remains one of the five ancient patriarchates.

Tarsus Acts 22:3

“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia.”

Birthplace of the apostle Paul. The Church of St. Paul (11th century) and the Well of St. Paul mark traditional sites in his hometown. Tarsus was a major centre of Greek learning in the Roman world.

Ephesus Ephesians 1:1

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus.”

Where Paul ministered for three years and where John the Apostle is said to have spent his final years, caring for Mary the Mother of God. The Church of Mary at Ephesus hosted the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD.

Smyrna (İzmir) Revelation 2:10

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Bishop Polycarp — disciple of John the Apostle — was martyred here in 155 AD, refusing to deny Christ at age 86. The Church of St. Polycarp commemorates him; the city remains a continuous Christian witness.

Pergamum Revelation 2:12

“These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.”

One of the seven churches of Asia. The 'throne of Satan' (Rev 2:13) likely referred to the city's massive altar to Zeus. Antipas, the faithful martyr (Rev 2:13), was killed here.

Sardis Revelation 3:1

“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

Once the wealthiest city in the world (capital of Lydia). The ruins of its great Christian basilica and the third-century synagogue still stand among the ancient temple of Artemis — a tangible 'sleepwalking' city the Apocalypse rebuked.

Philadelphia (Asia) Revelation 3:8

“I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”

The Christian community of Philadelphia endured longer than any other in Asia Minor — into the 19th century. Six massive Byzantine pillars of the Church of St. John still stand in modern Alaşehir.

Laodicea Revelation 3:15

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.”

A 4th-century church here, rediscovered in 2010, sits where the seventh church of Revelation gathered. The cold waters of nearby Colossae and the hot springs of Hierapolis flowed lukewarm by the time they reached Laodicea — the image behind Christ's rebuke.

Hierapolis Colossians 4:13

“For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”

Site of the Martyrium of St. Philip (5th century) — built where the apostle Philip is believed to have been crucified upside-down. The white travertine terraces of Pamukkale ring the ancient Christian city.

Colossae Colossians 1:2

“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace.”

The city Paul wrote to about the supremacy of Christ — though he had never visited. Today the unexcavated mound covers what was a key crossroads of early Christian thought in Asia Minor.

Iconium (Konya) Acts 14:1

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews... and so spake, that a great multitude... believed.”

Paul ministered here on all three missionary journeys. The Cappadocian Fathers — Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa — drew from this region's monastic tradition that shaped the doctrine of the Trinity at Nicaea.

Cappadocia 1 Peter 1:1

“To the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”

Hundreds of rock-cut Byzantine churches honeycomb the soft volcanic stone of Göreme. Underground cities sheltered Christians during Roman persecution; the cave churches preserve some of the finest medieval frescoes in the East.

Constantinople (Istanbul) Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

The Hagia Sophia — Holy Wisdom — was the cathedral of Christendom for nine centuries (537–1453). Three church councils (381, 553, 680, 869) shaped the creeds here. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople remains the senior see of the Orthodox Church.

Thessalonica 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.”

Site of the Basilica of St. Demetrios (4th century, rebuilt 7th century) — one of the largest Byzantine churches surviving in original form. Paul founded the church here in 50 AD; his two epistles to it are among the oldest New Testament writings.

Athens Acts 17:22

“Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.”

On the Areopagus, Paul preached the unknown God to the Greek philosophers. A bronze plaque at the base bears his sermon in Greek. The first convert here, Dionysius the Areopagite, became bishop of Athens and is venerated as the city's patron.

Corinth 1 Corinthians 13:13

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Paul spent eighteen months in Corinth on his second journey. The bema — the platform where Paul stood before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17) — still stands among the ruins. The city's commerce made it a strategic Christian hub.

Patmos Revelation 1:9

“I John... was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Where John received the Revelation in exile. The Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St. John (founded 1088) sit above the harbour. The whole island is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its continuous Christian witness.

Philippi Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Paul's first European mission — where Lydia was baptized at the river. Two massive 6th-century Byzantine basilicas (A and B) and a baptistery remain. The city was the first in Europe to receive the gospel.

Berea Acts 17:11

“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Where Paul preached and the Berean disciples earned their reputation for searching the Scriptures daily. The Bema of Paul — the platform of his preaching — is preserved as an open-air monument in modern Veria.

Rome Romans 8:38-39

“I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life... shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”

Where Peter and Paul were martyred. St. Peter's Basilica stands above the apostle's tomb on Vatican Hill. The catacombs preserve early Christian art; the Mamertine Prison preserves where both apostles were held before execution.

Alexandria Acts 18:24

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.”

St. Mark the Evangelist founded the Coptic Church here around 42 AD. The Catechetical School of Alexandria — Clement, Origen, Athanasius — shaped Christian theology for centuries. The Cathedral of St. Mark preserves the apostle's relics.

Wadi El Natrun Matthew 6:6

“When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.”

Heart of Christian monasticism. Four ancient monasteries — St. Macarius, St. Bishoy, the Syrians, and El-Baramus — have prayed continuously since the 4th century. The desert fathers' tradition began here and spread across Christendom.

Mount Athos 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray without ceasing.”

The Holy Mountain — a self-governing monastic republic since 963 AD. Twenty monasteries cling to its cliffs, preserving an unbroken thousand-year liturgical tradition. The largest concentration of relics and manuscripts in Eastern Christendom.

Meteora Psalm 18:2

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.”

Six monasteries built atop massive sandstone pillars beginning in the 14th century. Originally accessed only by ladders and nets hauled by monks, they preserved Greek Orthodox tradition through Ottoman rule. UNESCO World Heritage site.

Etchmiadzin Romans 1:8

“Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

The oldest cathedral in the world — founded 303 AD when Armenia became the first Christian nation. Seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Houses the Holy Lance — the spear that pierced Christ's side.

Lalibela Acts 8:27

“And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians... had come to Jerusalem for to worship.”

Eleven churches carved downward into solid volcanic rock in the 12th century — the 'New Jerusalem.' The Ethiopian Tewahedo Church traces its origins to the eunuch baptized by Philip in Acts 8. Continuously Christian since the 4th century.

Mar Saba Monastery Psalm 63:1

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee... in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”

Founded by Sabbas the Sanctified in 483 AD in the Kidron Valley. Continuously inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks for 1,500 years. Its hymnographers wrote much of the liturgy still sung in Eastern churches today.

Cologne Matthew 2:11

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him.”

Cologne Cathedral (begun 1248, completed 1880) holds the Shrine of the Three Magi — the largest gold reliquary in the medieval world. For seven centuries it has been the largest Gothic church in northern Europe.

Canterbury Matthew 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Mother church of the Anglican Communion. Founded 597 AD when Augustine of Canterbury arrived from Rome to convert the Anglo-Saxons. The murder of Thomas Becket here in 1170 made it Western Europe's leading pilgrimage destination after Rome.

Iona Matthew 5:14

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

Where Columba founded his monastery in 563 AD — the centre from which Celtic Christianity reached Scotland and northern England. The Book of Kells was likely begun here. The abbey was rebuilt in the 20th century and serves an ecumenical community.

Santiago de Compostela Matthew 4:21

“He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother... and he called them.”

Tomb of St. James the Greater, apostle. The Camino de Santiago has drawn pilgrims continuously since the 9th century — millions still walk it today. The Cathedral (11th–13th centuries) marks the journey's end.

Vatican City Matthew 16:18

“Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Spiritual centre for over a billion Catholics. The Vatican Library preserves over 75,000 codices including some of the oldest biblical manuscripts. The Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter's Basilica form the heart of Western Christian art.

Babylon Psalm 137:1

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”

City of the seventy-year Jewish exile. The visions of Daniel — the lions' den, the writing on the wall, the four kingdoms — unfolded here. The reconstructed Ishtar Gate and Processional Way preserve a sense of its imperial scale.

Nineveh Jonah 3:5

“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”

Where Jonah preached repentance. The traditional Tomb of the Prophet Jonah (Nebi Yunus) stands on a mound over the ancient Assyrian capital. The Assyrian Church of the East has had a continuous presence in the surrounding region for nearly two millennia.

Ur of the Chaldees Genesis 12:1

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.”

Birthplace of Abraham, the father of all who believe. The Great Ziggurat of Ur (2100 BC) still stands at the edge of the southern Mesopotamian plain — the world Abraham walked away from to follow the LORD's call.

Tyre Matthew 15:21-22

“Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him.”

The Phoenician city Christ visited — where He healed the Canaanite woman's daughter. The Roman hippodrome and necropolis (UNESCO World Heritage) preserve Tyre as it stood in the apostolic age.

Sidon Mark 7:31

“And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee.”

Phoenician coastal city mentioned often in Christ's ministry travels. The 13th-century Crusader Sea Castle stands on a small island just offshore. Sidon's Christian community traces continuously to apostolic times.

Caesarea Maritima Acts 10:1

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band.”

Cornelius the centurion was baptized here — the first Gentile convert. Paul was imprisoned at Caesarea for two years before sailing to Rome. The harbour theatre and Crusader fortress walls preserve Byzantine and apostolic-era ruins.

Samaria (Sebaste) John 4:14

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Where Christ revealed Himself as Messiah to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Photini stands above the well, which still gives water from the patriarch Jacob's day.

Mount of Olives Acts 1:11

“This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Where Christ taught the Olivet Discourse, prayed in Gethsemane, was betrayed, and ascended into heaven. The Chapel of the Ascension preserves the traditional spot. The mount holds the world's oldest continuously used cemetery.

Bethel Genesis 28:17

“How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

Where Jacob saw the ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. He named the place Bethel — 'house of God.' The site remained a centre of Israelite worship through the time of the prophets.

Shechem (Nablus) Joshua 24:15

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Where Joshua gathered Israel for covenant renewal between mounts Gerizim and Ebal. Jacob's Well — where Christ met the Samaritan woman — still flows here today, beneath the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Photini.

Cyprus (Paphos) Acts 13:6

“And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus.”

Where Paul converted Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul — the first official Roman convert. St. Paul's Pillar marks the traditional spot where Paul was scourged before his preaching prevailed. Cyprus claims to be the first nation governed by a Christian leader.

Crete Titus 1:5

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city.”

Titus, ordained by Paul as first bishop of Crete, organised the island's churches in every city. The Church of St. Titus in Heraklion still holds the skull of the saint, returned in 1966 after centuries in Venice.

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