Bethsaida is frequently mentioned in the Second Temple period sources. Bethsaida means "House of the Fisherman".

According to the New Testament, Jesus performed some of his most important miracles there, including the "Feeding of the Multitudes," and the "healing of the Blind Man," and from the Bethsaida shores, he was seen walking on the Sea of Galilee.

Three major Apostles: Peter, Andrew, and Phillip, were from Bethsaida, and later Christian traditions associate other apostles with the city.

Ultimately, Jesus condemned the city stating: "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!"