Fishing, a significant occupation and metaphor in the Bible, holds both practical and symbolic importance throughout the Scriptures. The practice of fishing is mentioned in various contexts, reflecting its role in the daily life and spiritual teachings of biblical times.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, fishing is primarily associated with the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. The Hebrew people, though not primarily a seafaring nation, engaged in fishing as a means of sustenance. The prophet Ezekiel references fishing in his vision of the restored land, where fishermen will stand along the shore of the Dead Sea, casting their nets (Ezekiel 47:10): "Fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim, casting their nets; the fish will be of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea."

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides a richer tapestry of fishing imagery, particularly in the Gospels. Fishing was a common occupation among the disciples of Jesus, several of whom were fishermen by trade. This background is crucial in understanding the calling of the first disciples. In Matthew 4:18-19 , Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"

This call to become "fishers of men" is a profound metaphor for evangelism, illustrating the mission of the disciples to gather people into the kingdom of God. The act of fishing, with its patience, skill, and perseverance, parallels the work of spreading the Gospel.

Miraculous Catches

The Gospels recount several miraculous fishing events that underscore Jesus' divine authority and the abundance of God's provision. In Luke 5:4-7 , Jesus instructs Peter to let down the nets after a fruitless night of fishing: "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.' 'Master,' Simon replied, 'we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear."

Another significant event occurs after Jesus' resurrection, as recorded in John 21:6 : "He told them, 'Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.' So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish." This miraculous catch leads to the recognition of the risen Christ and reinforces the disciples' mission.

Symbolism and Teaching

Fishing serves as a powerful symbol in Jesus' parables and teachings. In the Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50), Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a net that gathers fish of every kind, illustrating the final judgment: "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away."

The imagery of fishing in the Bible extends beyond the literal to convey spiritual truths about the nature of God's kingdom, the call to discipleship, and the mission of the Church. Through the lens of fishing, believers are reminded of their role in sharing the Gospel and the transformative power of Christ's call.Fishing, the art of

Was prosecuted with great industry in the waters of Palestine. It was from the fishing-nets that Jesus called his disciples (Mark 1:16-20), and it was in a fishing-boat he rebuked the winds and the waves (Matthew 8:26) and delivered that remarkable series of prophecies recorded in Matthew 13. He twice miraculously fed multitudes with fish and bread (Matthew 14:19; 15:36). It was in the mouth of a fish that the tribute-money was found (Matthew 17:27). And he "ate a piece of broiled fish" with his disciples after his resurrection (Luke 24:42, 43; Comp. Acts 1:3). At the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-14), in obedience to his direction, the disciples cast their net "on the right side of the ship," and enclosed so many that "they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."

Two kinds of fishing-nets are mentioned in the New Testament:

(1.) The casting-net (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16).

(2.) The drag-net or seine (Matthew 13:48).

Fish were also caught by the fishing-hook (Matthew 17:27). (see NET.)

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fish.

2. (n.) The act, practice, or art of one who fishes.

3. (n.) A fishery.

4. (n.) Pertaining to fishing; used in fishery; engaged in fishing; as, fishing boat; fishing tackle; fishing village.

FISHING

fish'-ing (halieuo): Several methods of securing fish are resorted to at the present day along the seashores of Palestine. Two of these, dynamiting and poisoning with the juice of cyclamen bulbs or other poisonous plants, can be passed over as havi ng no bearing on ancient methods.

(1) With Hooks:

Some fishing is done with hooks and lines, either on poles when fishing from shore, or on trawls in deep-sea fishing. The fishhooks now used are of European origin, but bronze fishhooks of a very early date have been discovered. That fishing with hooks was known in Jesus' time is indicated by the Master's command to Peter (Matthew 17:27).

See FISHHOOK.

(2) With Spears:

Job 41:7 probably refers to an instrument much like the barbed spear still used along the Syrian coast. It is used at night by torchlight.

(3) With Nets:

In the most familiar Bible stories of fisherman life a net was used. Today most of the fishing is done in the same way. These nets are homemade. Frequently one sees the fishermen or members of their families making nets or repairing old ones during the stormy days when fishing is impossible.

Nets are used in three ways:

(a) A circular net, with small meshes and leaded around the edge, is cast from the shore into the shallow water in such a manner that the leaded edge forms the base of a cone, the apex being formed by the fisherman holding the center of the net in his hand. The cone thus formed encloses such fish as cannot escape the quick throw of the fisher.

(b) A long net or seine of one or two fathoms depth, leaded on one edge and provided with floats on the other, is payed out from boats in such a way as to surround a school of fish. Long ropes fastened to the two ends are carried ashore many yards apart, and from five to ten men on each rope gradually draw in the net. The fish are then landed from the shallow water with small nets or by hand. This method is commonly practiced on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

(c) In deeper waters a net similar to that described above, but four or five fathoms deep, is cast from boats and the ends slowly brought together so as to form a circle. Men then dive down and bring one portion of the weighted edge over under the rest, so as to form a bottom. The compass of the net is then narrowed, and the fish are emptied from the net into the boat. Sometimes the net with the fish enclosed is towed into shallow water before drawing. The above method is probably the one the disciples used (Matthew 4:18 Mark 1:16 Luke 5:2-10 John 21:3-11). Portions of nets with leads and floats, of early Egyptian origin, may be seen in the British Museum.

See NET.

The fishermen today usually work with their garments girdled up about their waists. Frequently they wear only a loose outer garment which is wet much of the time. This garment can be quickly removed by pulling it over the head, When occasion requires the fisherman to jump into the sea. If methods have not changed, Peter had probably just climbed back into the boat after adjusting the net for drawing when he learned that it was Jesus who stood on the shore. He was literally naked and pulled on his coat before he went ashore (John 21:7).

James A. Patch

1350. diktuon -- a net
... a net. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: diktuon Phonetic Spelling:
(dik'-too-on) Short Definition: a fishing-net Definition: a fishing-net. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1350.htm - 6k

293. amphiblestron -- to throw around
... to throw around. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: amphiblestron Phonetic
Spelling: (am-fib'-lace-tron) Short Definition: a fishing net, drag-net ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/293.htm - 6k

232. halieuo -- to fish
... Word Origin from halieus Definition to fish NASB Word Usage fishing (1). go fishing.
From halieus; to be a fisher, ie (by implication) to fish -- go a-fishing. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/232.htm - 6k

4522. sagene -- a dragnet
... a dragnet. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sagene Phonetic Spelling:
(sag-ay'-nay) Short Definition: a fishing-net Definition: a fishing-net. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4522.htm - 6k

966. Bethsaida -- "house of fish," Bethsaida, the name of two ...
... Bethsaida. Of Chaldee origin (compare bayith and tsayad); fishing-house; Bethsaida,
a place in Palestine -- Bethsaida. see HEBREW bayith. see HEBREW tsayad. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/966.htm - 6k

4365a. mikmereth -- a net, fishing net
... 4365, 4365a. mikmereth. 4365b . a net, fishing net. Transliteration:
mikmereth Short Definition: net. Word Origin from the same ...
/hebrew/4365a.htm - 5k

1729. dugah -- fishing, fishery
... 1728, 1729. dugah. 1730 . fishing, fishery. Transliteration: dugah Phonetic
Spelling: (doo-gaw') Short Definition: fish. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/1729.htm - 6k

4365b. mikmoreth -- a net, fishing net
... 4365a, 4365b. mikmoreth. 4366 . a net, fishing net. Transliteration:
mikmoreth Short Definition: nets. Word Origin from the same ...
/hebrew/4365b.htm - 5k

4365. mikmereth -- a net, fishing net
... 4364b, 4365. mikmereth. 4365a . a net, fishing net. Transliteration: mikmereth
Phonetic Spelling: (mik-meh'-reth) Short Definition: drag. drag, net ...
/hebrew/4365.htm - 5k

1709. dag -- a fish
... a fish. Transliteration: dag Phonetic Spelling: (dawg) Short Definition: fish. Word
Origin from dagah Definition a fish NASB Word Usage fish (17), fishing (1). ...
/hebrew/1709.htm - 6k

Fishing Song: to JA Froude and Tom Hughes
... FISHING SONG: TO JA FROUDE AND TOM HUGHES. Oh, Mr. Froude, how wise and
good, To point us out this way to glory" They're no great ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/fishing song to j a.htm

Of the Calling of the Apostles as they were Fishing.
... The Prologue. Chapter XVII."Of the Calling of the Apostles as They Were
Fishing. 34. Matthew's narrative is continued thus: "Now ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xvii of the calling of.htm

Living up in the Spirit Realm.
... Deep-Sea Fishing: The Ambition of Service. (Luke v:1-11.) Living up in the
Spirit Realm. ... The time for fishing with them was in the night. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/living up in the spirit.htm

Among the Fishermen.
... They had washed their nets and had given up fishing until night again, for morning
was not a good time for fishing, but Jesus said to Peter and Andrew,". ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xiv among the fishermen.htm

Providential Guidance
... Unsuccessful, I looked around in agonising suspense, and saw close to me a
fishing-boat with a peculiar drag-net furnished with hooks, which I knew would bring ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter xiv providential guidance.htm

Appearance at Sea of Galilee.
... other of His disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a-fishing. They
say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiv appearance at sea of.htm

In Galilee.
... about five hundred brethren at once (1:Cor.15:6). The apostles, having arrived at
the appointed place, engaged in their old occupation of fishing, until they ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/in galilee.htm

Restoration of Peter.
... stirred old associations, Peter with characteristic restlessness and independence
turned away to where his own old boat lay, saying, "I go a-fishing." The rest ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxv restoration of peter.htm

A Fish-Story
... A FISH-STORY. A recent writer tells in one of his books of an experience he
had as a boy when he went on a fishing-trip with his father. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a fish-story.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... [3281] Remembering how common the corresponding name is in our own country, [3282]
and that fishing was the main industry along the shores of the Lake, we need ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fishing, the art of. ... Two kinds of fishing-nets are mentioned
in the New Testament: (1.) The casting-net (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16). ...
/f/fishing.htm - 13k

Fishing-net (3 Occurrences)
Fishing-net. Fishing-lines, Fishing-net. Fishnets . Multi-Version
Concordance Fishing-net (3 Occurrences). Ezekiel 32 ...
/f/fishing-net.htm - 7k

Fishing-boats (1 Occurrence)
Fishing-boats. Fishing-boat, Fishing-boats. Fishing-lines . Multi-Version
Concordance Fishing-boats (1 Occurrence). Luke 5:2 He, however ...
/f/fishing-boats.htm - 6k

Fishing-lines (1 Occurrence)
Fishing-lines. Fishing-boats, Fishing-lines. Fishing-net . Multi-Version
Concordance Fishing-lines (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 19:8 The ...
/f/fishing-lines.htm - 6k

Fishing-boat (1 Occurrence)
Fishing-boat. Fishing, Fishing-boat. Fishing-boats . Multi-Version
Concordance Fishing-boat (1 Occurrence). Matthew 8:23 Then He ...
/f/fishing-boat.htm - 6k

Net (91 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary In use among the Hebrews for fishing, hunting, and fowling. ...
floo(King James Version, margin Habakkuk 1:15). See FISH; FISHING. NET. ...
/n/net.htm - 36k

Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)
... beth-sa'-i-da (Bethsaida, "house of fishing"): (1) A city East of the Jordan, in
a "desert place" (that is, uncultivated ground used for grazing) at which ...
/b/bethsaida.htm - 19k

Fish (66 Occurrences)
... Sidon is the oldest fishing establishment known in history. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
(vt) To try with a fishing rod; to catch fish in; as, to fish a stream. ...
/f/fish.htm - 38k

Fishhook (1 Occurrence)
... in the American Standard Revised Version (Job 41:1 Amos 4:2). In other passages
the word hook or "angle" is applied to this instrument for fishing (Isaiah 19:8 ...
/f/fishhook.htm - 7k

Drag (19 Occurrences)
... heavy or resisting bodies or those inapt for drawing, with labor, along the ground
or other surface; as, to drag stone or timber; to drag a net in fishing. ...
/d/drag.htm - 14k

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