Strong’s Greek 307 designates the action of hauling or drawing something up from the water onto land. In the New Testament it appears only once, in Matthew 13:48, within the parable of the dragnet. Though rare in the biblical text, the concept it carries—moving that which is hidden in the depths into the revealing light of shore—saturates Scripture’s portrayals of divine calling, judgment, and mission.

Biblical Usage in Matthew 13:48

“When it was full, the men pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away.” (Matthew 13:48)

Here the verb describes fishermen bringing a loaded net ashore, immediately preceding the sorting of its contents. The motion from sea to shore symbolizes the transition from the present, mingled age to the climactic moment of evaluation. The act is deliberate and conclusive: nothing remains in the water; every fish faces assessment.

Connection to Fishing Imagery in Scripture

1. Old Testament anticipation
• Habakkuk 1:15 portrays the wicked gathering “them up with a dragnet.”
• Jeremiah 16:16 speaks of God sending “many fishermen.”
• Ezekiel 47:10 anticipates nets spreading along the healed waters of the temple river.

These passages establish fishing as an image of both judgment and restoration.

2. New Testament fulfillment
• Luke 5:4-10 and John 21:6-11 show miraculous catches that reveal Christ’s authority and the disciples’ evangelistic calling.
• Matthew 4:19 records Jesus declaring, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Although these texts employ different Greek verbs, the common thread is God’s initiative in drawing people to Himself and the responsibility of His servants to participate.

Historical Context of First-Century Fishing Practices

Galilean fishermen used large dragnets weighted at the bottom and buoyed at the top. Once filled, the net had to be hauled onto the shore where classification occurred. This background clarifies why Jesus’ listeners immediately grasped the inevitability and finality of the separation process. The sea represented mystery and chaos; the shore, exposure and decision.

Theological Significance

1. Final judgment

The dragging ashore pictures the consummate gathering when “the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous” (Matthew 13:49). The verb underscores certainty: judgment will not be postponed or partial; everything is brought to account.

2. Universality of the gospel call

Before sorting occurs, the net indiscriminately encloses “fish of every kind” (Matthew 13:47). The church’s mission similarly extends to every tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9).

3. Distinction of true and false disciples

Just as fish cannot evade exposure once on land, superficial allegiance cannot withstand the penetrating gaze of Christ (Hebrews 4:13). The term reminds believers that authentic faith bears the scrutiny of the shore.

Applications in Ministry and Discipleship

• Evangelism with urgency: The net is already being drawn; time for repentance is limited (2 Corinthians 6:2).
• Pastoral discernment: Spiritual leaders, like the fishermen, must recognize and foster genuine fruit while confronting hypocrisy (1 John 2:19).
• Personal holiness: Anticipating the moment of being “hauled up,” believers purify themselves “just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

Related Passages with Analogous Themes

Matthew 3:12; Matthew 13:30; Matthew 25:31-33; 1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 14:15-16.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s Greek 307 appears only once, its imagery reverberates throughout Scripture. The decisive act of drawing the net ashore points to God’s sovereign gathering of all humanity for final evaluation, underscores the inclusive reach of the gospel, and calls every believer to faithful witness and steadfast holiness while the net is still in the water.