Topical Encyclopedia
Fishermen hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, both in the Old and New Testaments. The occupation of fishing was a common and essential trade in ancient Israel, particularly around the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus' disciples were called from their nets to follow Him.
Old Testament ContextFishing is mentioned in the Old Testament as a recognized profession. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of fishermen in the context of the prophecy against Egypt: "And it will come to pass that the fishers will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; there will be a place for the spreading of nets" (
Ezekiel 47:10). This indicates the widespread nature of fishing as a livelihood and its importance in the economy of the region.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, fishermen are prominently featured in the Gospels. Several of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen by trade. The calling of these fishermen is a pivotal moment in the Gospels, illustrating the transition from their secular occupation to becoming "fishers of men" (
Matthew 4:19). This metaphor highlights the mission of the disciples to spread the Gospel and bring people into the Kingdom of God.
The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake, was a central hub for fishing activities. The Gospels recount several instances involving fishermen and fishing, such as the miraculous catch of fish (
Luke 5:4-7) and Jesus walking on water (
Matthew 14:25-33). These events underscore the divine authority of Jesus over nature and His ability to provide abundantly.
Symbolism and Spiritual LessonsThe occupation of fishermen is rich with symbolic meaning in the biblical text. The act of fishing is often used as a metaphor for evangelism and the gathering of believers. Jesus' call to His disciples to become "fishers of men" signifies the transformative power of His message and the new purpose given to those who follow Him.
Moreover, the imagery of fishing is used to convey spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God. In the parable of the net, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a net that gathers fish of every kind, which are then sorted (
Matthew 13:47-50). This parable illustrates the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.
Cultural and Historical InsightsFishing in biblical times was a labor-intensive and often perilous occupation. Fishermen used nets, boats, and other tools to catch fish, and their work required skill and perseverance. The Sea of Galilee, with its abundant fish, was a vital resource for the local economy, and fishing was a family trade passed down through generations.
The choice of fishermen as some of Jesus' first disciples is significant. It reflects the accessibility of the Gospel to ordinary people and the calling of individuals from all walks of life to participate in God's redemptive plan. The humble beginnings of these fishermen-turned-apostles serve as a testament to the transformative power of Christ's call and the spread of Christianity from modest origins to a global faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Fisherman.
Greek
231. halieus -- a fisherman... a fisherman. Word Origin from hals (the sea) Definition a fisherman NASB
Word Usage
fishermen (3), fishers (2). fisherman. From
...Strong's Hebrew
1728. davvag -- a fisherman... 1727, 1728. davvag. 1729 . a fisherman. Transliteration: davvag Phonetic
Spelling: (dav-vawg') Short Definition:
fishermen. Word
...Library
Instructions forFishermen
... VOLUME I: ST. LUKE Chaps. I to XII INSTRUCTIONS FORFISHERMEN.... One group offishermen
was washing their nets, their boats being hauled up on the strand....
Among theFishermen.
... THE NEW TESTAMENT. CHAPTER XIV. AMONG THEFISHERMEN. Capernaum was on the shore
of the beautiful lake of Galilee.... [Illustration: Jesus among thefishermen]....
The Recall of theFishermen.
... HIS YEAR OF POPULARITY. JESUS IN GALILEE THE RECALL OF THEFISHERMEN. And
he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, which is...
Jesus Calls FourFishermen to Follow Him.
... Part Fourth. From the First to the Second Passover. (Time: One Year.) XXX. Jesus
Calls FourFishermen to Follow Him. (Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.)...
Out of St. Luke's Fifth ChapterAre Found Proofs of Christ's...
... Luke's Fifth Chapter are Found Proofs of Christ's Belonging to the Creator, Eg In
the Call ofFishermen to the Apostolic Office, and in the Cleansing of the...
Although, Even if There Went Before no Testimonies Concerning...
... scourged, smitten with the palms of the hand, reviled, crucified, slain: His disciples,
(whom He chose common men, and unlearned, andfishermen, and publicans...
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... Room for the man who was born in a manger! Room for the man whose disciples were
fishermen!... Why a few poor humblefishermen, who were his disciples....
The Wonderful Unity of the Bible Attests Its Divine Authorship
... Among its writers were judges, kings, priests, prophets, patriarchs, prime ministers,
herdsmen, scribes, soldiers, physicians andfishermen....
The Preachings on the Lake.
... The rest werefishermen and common people.... The beautiful climate of Galilee
made the life of these honestfishermen a perpetual delight....
On the Duty of Working for a Livelihood.
... That a Christian Who Will Not Work Must Not Eat, as Peter and the Rest of the Apostles
WereFishermen, But Paul and Aquila Tentmakers, Jude the Son of James an...
Thesaurus
Fishermen (8 Occurrences)...Fishermen (8 Occurrences).
... Luke 5:2 He saw two boats standing by the lake, but
the
fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
...Fisherman (1 Occurrence)
... fish'-er fish'-er-man (dayyagh, dawwagh; halieus; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament
in Greek haleeus): Although but few references tofishermen are made in...
Fisher (1 Occurrence)
... fish'-er fish'-er-man (dayyagh, dawwagh; halieus; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament
in Greek haleeus): Although but few references tofishermen are made in...
Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)
... Unless they had moved their residence from Bethsaida to Capernaum, of which there
is no record, and which forfishermen was unlikely, Bethsaida must have lain...
Nets (33 Occurrences)
... NIV). Luke 5:2 He saw two boats standing by the lake, but thefishermen
had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. (WEB KJV...
Putting (278 Occurrences)
... sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, whose other name was Peter, and Andrew,
his brother, who were putting a net into the sea; for they werefishermen....
Beside (326 Occurrences)
... 18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter,
and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they werefishermen...
Casting (54 Occurrences)
... 18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter,
and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they werefishermen...
Andrew (12 Occurrences)
... The two brothers seem to have after this pursued for a while their usual calling
asfishermen, and did not become the stated attendants of the Lord till after...
Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... Frequently one sees thefishermen or members of their families making nets or repairing
old ones during the stormy days when fishing is impossible....
Resources
What does it mean to be “fishers of men”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Dragnet? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgFishermen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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