Lexical Summary amphiblestron: Net Original Word: ἀμφίβληστρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance net. From a compound of the base of amphoteros and ballo; a (fishing) net (as thrown about the fish) -- net. see GREEK amphoteros see GREEK ballo Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 293: ἀμφίβληστρονἀμφίβληστρον, , τό (ἀμφιβάλλω), in Greek writings anything thrown around one to impede his motion, as chains, a garment; specifically, a net for fishing (casting-net): Mark 1:16 R G L; Matthew 4:18. (the Sept.; Hesiod scut. 215; Herodotus 1, 141; Athen. 10, 72, p. 450.) (Synonym: see δίκτυον, and cf. Trench, § lxiv.; B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Setting Matthew 4:18 records Jesus “walking beside the Sea of Galilee,” watching Simon Peter and Andrew “casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.” The single appearance of the term highlights the decisive moment just before Jesus’ call: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Fishing Culture on the Sea of Galilee First-century Galilee depended heavily on fishing. Villages such as Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Magdala thrived on the trade. Fishermen worked long hours, often at night, and marketed their catch through local networks. Their immediate abandonment of this livelihood accentuates the radical nature of discipleship. Varieties of Nets in Scripture Scripture names several nets. A dragnet gathers fish indiscriminately (Matthew 13:47). General nets appear in Luke 5:4–6 and John 21:6. The unique net of Matthew 4:18 is a hand-thrown, circular net weighted along its edge. Its quick spread and enclosing action illustrate both the reach and efficiency of the disciples’ future mission. Theological Significance Jesus meets the men while they are actively engaged, underscoring that He recruits industrious workers. The thrown net pictures the comprehensive sweep of the gospel; its retrieval hints at the gathering of believers into the kingdom. By transforming an ordinary tool into a spiritual metaphor, Jesus links earthly vocation with heavenly purpose. Symbolism for Evangelism and Discipleship • Initiative: Fishermen cast first; evangelists take the first step (Acts 8:4). Historical and Rabbinic Background While Jewish writings sometimes use fishing imagery for judgment, Jesus uniquely recasts it into a picture of grace—inviting people into the kingdom rather than ensnaring them for destruction. Early Church Reception Church Fathers adopted this symbol readily. Tertullian spoke of believers as a “piscatory people,” while Augustine compared the cross to the pole that stretches the net across the world. Missionary movements through the centuries have echoed the same imagery. Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Vocation becomes training for service; skills learned at work can serve the gospel. Broader Scriptural Connections Luke 5:1–11 and John 21:6–11, though using different terms for nets, reinforce the theme of miraculous catches that signal apostolic mission and divine provision. Revelation 7:9 shows the ultimate fulfillment: a multitude from every nation gathered in. Summary The single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s Greek 293 serves as a vivid emblem of the gospel enterprise. The casting net embodies initiative, breadth, perseverance, and eventual harvest—calling every believer to labor alongside the first fishermen-turned-apostles in drawing people to Christ. Forms and Transliterations αμφιβληστρον αμφίβληστρον ἀμφίβληστρον αμφιβλήστρω αμφιβολείς amphiblestron amphiblēstron amphíblestron amphíblēstronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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