Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextThe term "catching" in the biblical context often refers to the act of seizing, capturing, or taking hold of something or someone. This concept can be both literal and metaphorical, appearing in various narratives and teachings throughout the Bible. It is associated with themes of pursuit, vigilance, and divine intervention.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the idea of catching is frequently linked to hunting and warfare. For instance, in
Genesis 27:3, Isaac instructs Esau, "Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and bow, and go out into the field to hunt game for me." Here, the act of catching game is part of fulfilling a familial duty and blessing.
The Psalms often use the imagery of catching to describe the snares and traps set by the wicked.
Psalm 35:8 states, "May ruin overtake them by surprise; may the net they hid entangle them; may they fall into the pit, to their ruin." This verse illustrates the concept of divine justice, where the wicked are caught in their own schemes.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, catching takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus uses the metaphor of catching fish to describe the mission of His disciples. In
Matthew 4:19 , Jesus says, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This call to become "fishers of men" signifies the disciples' role in spreading the Gospel and bringing people into the Kingdom of God.
The theme of vigilance is also present in the New Testament. In
1 Thessalonians 5:2 , Paul writes, "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual readiness, as the coming of the Lord will catch many by surprise.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of catching in the Bible often underscores the importance of readiness and awareness in the spiritual life. Believers are called to be vigilant, prepared for both the challenges of life and the eventual return of Christ. The metaphor of catching fish highlights the active role Christians are to play in evangelism and discipleship.
Moreover, the imagery of being caught in snares serves as a warning against sin and the deceitfulness of the enemy. It reminds believers of the need for discernment and reliance on God's protection and guidance.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, the biblical theme of catching encourages Christians to be proactive in their faith, seeking opportunities to share the Gospel and live out their beliefs. It also calls for a life of watchfulness, being alert to spiritual dangers and ready for the Lord's return. The faithful are urged to trust in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately catch and judge the wicked.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Catch.
2. (a.) Infectious; contagious.
3. (a.) Captivating; alluring.
4. (n.) The act of seizing or taking hold of.
Greek
61. agra -- hunting, a catch... hunting, a catch. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: agra Phonetic
Spelling: (ag'-rah) Short Definition:
catching, a catch Definition:
catching, a
...3803. pagis -- a trap, snare
... Feminine Transliteration: pagis Phonetic Spelling: (pag-ece') Short Definition:
a snare, trap Definition: a snare, trap (especially forcatching birds) hence...
2221. zogreo -- to catch alive
... Word Origin from the same as zoon and agreuo Definition to catch alive NASB Word
Usagecatching (1), held captive (1). take captive, catch....
Strong's Hebrew
4434. malkodeth -- acatching instrument, a snare, trap... 4433, 4434. malkodeth. 4435 . a
catching instrument, a snare, trap.
Transliteration: malkodeth Phonetic Spelling: (mal-ko'-deth) Short Definition: trap.
...2480. chalat -- to catch
... to catch. Transliteration: chalat Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-lat') Short Definition:
catching.... root Definition to catch NASB Word Usagecatching (1). catch....
6721. Tsidon -- a Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast, also...
... Or Tsiydon {tsee-done'}; from tsuwd in the sense ofcatching fish; fishery; Tsidon,
the name of a son of Canaan, and of a place in Palestine -- Sidon, Zidon....
6354. pachath -- a pit
... hole, pit, snare. Probably from an unused root apparently meaning to dig; a pit,
especially forcatching animals -- hole, pit, snare. 6353, 6354....
7568. resheth -- a net
... net work. From yarash; a net (ascatching animals) -- net(- work). see HEBREW
yarash. 7567, 7568. resheth. 7569 . Strong's Numbers.
4170. moqesh -- a bait or lure, a snare
... Or moqesh {mo-kashe'}; from yaqosh; a noose (forcatching animals) (literally or
figuratively): by implication, a hook (for the nose) -- be ensnared, gin, (is...
Library
The Translation of Living Believers.
... we read, "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him."
Therefore we submit that our Lord's words here point to thecatching up of the...
Correspondences
... The crowd followed us, eager to see more of the doings of the picture-catching box;
and she, fearing the defiling touch of the mixed Castes represented there...
Jesus and his Brethren
... An old man, who was accustomed tocatching trout in a certain stream, was asked
by one who had been fishing in vain, "Have you caught any fish today?" "Yes, Sir...
Missed Ends
... There were shrieks as they suddenly knew themselves falling, and a tossing
up of helpless arms,catching, clutching at empty air....
Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down...
... it had been thrown, but he was not guilty if he caught it in his mouth, since, after
being eaten, the object no longer existed, and hencecatching with the...
Of Lies are Many Sorts, which Indeed All...
... And upon ourselves, their masters, we bring this so great bane, that, for the sake
ofcatching heretics, we first become, which is certain, blasphemers of God...
Prayer Out of the Deep.
... Has every suffering, searching soul which ever gazed up into the darkness of the
unknown, in hopes ofcatching even a glimpse of a divine Eye, beholding all...
Letter vii. Tact --Unobtrusiveness.
... Aftercatching the name the lady said: "Are you the wife of old Mr. C""?" Of course
everybody around who had any sensibility was pained and embarrassed by...
Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord
... The spirit of Jesus was diverted, relieved and refreshed by their animation,catching
somewhat the contagion of their joy, and sharing in their triumph....
San Josef
... all the races of the island going to and from town or field-work, or washing clothes
in some clear brook, beside which a solemn Chinaman sitscatching for his...
Thesaurus
Catching (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Catching (6 Occurrences).
... Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be
afraid. From now on you will be
catching people alive." (WEB DBY YLT NAS RSV).
...Gasp (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To open the mouth wide incatching the breath, or in laborious respiration;
to labor for breath; to respire convulsively; to pant violently....
Fishhook (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A hook forcatching fish.... The Egyptian monuments
show that the hook was quite commonly used forcatching fish....
Snatch (14 Occurrences)
... snatch at a rope. 4. (n.) A hastycatching or seizing; a grab; acatching
at, or attempt to seize, suddenly. 5. (n.) A short period...
Hook (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A piece of metal, or other hard material, formed or bent into a curve or
at an angle, forcatching, holding, or sustaining anything; as, a hook for...
Catcheth (10 Occurrences)
Catechist
Zebedee (11 Occurrences)
... Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. From now on you will becatching
people alive." (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). John...
Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences)
... manner also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon; and Jesus
said unto Simon, 'Fear not, henceforth thou shalt becatching men;' (See...
Grasping (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Seizing; embracing;catching. 2. (a.) Avaricious;
greedy of gain; covetous; close; miserly; as, he is a grasping man....
Resources
How can I be sure I won't be left behind in the rapture? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the strengths and weaknesses of the posttribulational view of the rapture (posttribulationism)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about overcoming grief? | GotQuestions.orgCatching: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
