Fish(fishing)
“Fish, from its great fecundity”
Summary
An important food source in biblical times, especially around the Sea of Galilee, with fishing serving as the occupation of several apostles and providing rich imagery for the gospel mission.
☩Biblical Classification
The Hebrews recognized fish as one of the great divisions of the animal kingdom, giving them a place in the creation account. The Mosaic law pronounced unclean such fish as were devoid of fins and scales, excluding eels, sharks, rays, and catfish. Beyond clean and unclean, no particular species is named anywhere in Scripture.
☩Fishing Methods
Fishermen used nets of various kinds: the dragnet (sagene), drawn from boats in a circle and pulled to shore, and the casting net (amphiblestron), thrown by hand to form a wide circle. Hooks and lines were also used, as when Peter caught a fish with a coin in its mouth. The Sea of Galilee supported a thriving fishing industry with hundreds of boats.
☩Fish in Jesus' Ministry
Jesus called fishermen to follow Him, promising to make them fishers of men. Fish figure prominently in His miracles: the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 using loaves and fish, the miraculous draughts of fish, and the coin in the fish's mouth. After His resurrection, Jesus ate broiled fish with the disciples and provided fish on the shore of Galilee.
☩Figurative Use
The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a net gathering fish of every kind, with fishermen separating good from bad—picturing the final judgment. Ezekiel's vision of waters flowing from the temple includes multitudes of fish, signifying life and blessing. In contrast, catching men like fish can symbolize sudden destruction by enemies.
Related Verses67 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Fish," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Fish," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Fish," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).