Original Word: ἄγρα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: agra
Pronunciation: AH-grah
Phonetic Spelling: (ag'-rah)
KJV: draught
NASB: catch
Word Origin: [from G71 (ἄγω - brought)]

1. (abstractly) a catching (of fish)
2. (concretely) a haul (of fish)

a catch

From ago; (abstractly) a catching (of fish); also (concretely) a haul (of fish) -- draught.

see GREEK ago

Word Origin
probably akin to agros
Definition
hunting, a catch
NASB Translation
catch (2).

STRONGS NT 61: ἄγρα

ἄγρα, (ας, ἡ (ἄγω);

1. a catching, hunting: Luke 5:4.

2. the thing caught: ἡ ἄγρα τῶν ἰχθύων ' the catch or haul of fish' i. e. the fishes taken (A. V. draught), Luke 5:9.

Entry: ἄγρα (Strong’s Greek #61)

Overview

Ἄγρα denotes the resultant “catch” secured after a period of fishing. Though the term itself is rare in the New Testament, occurring only in Luke 5:4 and Luke 5:9, its narrative setting in the first recorded miracle of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee gives it enduring theological weight. The word becomes a lens through which divine provision, the calling of disciples, and the broader mission of the Church are viewed.

Scriptural Occurrences

• Luke 5:4 — “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
• Luke 5:9 — “He and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken.”

Narrative Setting in Luke 5

Following an all-night failure, Simon Peter and his partners are commanded by Jesus to return to the lake’s depths. The resulting superabundant ἄγρα fills two boats to the point of sinking. The miracle confirms Jesus’ authority over creation and prepares the fishermen for a new vocation: “From now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5:10)

Christological Significance

1. Lordship over Nature: The Creator commands the creatures of the sea, echoing Psalm 8:6-8.
2. Revelation of Glory: The overwhelming haul produces immediate fear and worship in Peter (Luke 5:8), anticipating later confessions of Jesus’ identity (Luke 9:20).
3. Foreshadowing Resurrection Ministry: The account anticipates the post-resurrection catch in John 21:6-11, where another miraculous haul reaffirms the risen Lord’s unchanging authority and mission.

Symbolism of Abundant Provision

The overflowing nets illustrate kingdom generosity (John 10:10) and assure servants that obedience yields fruit beyond human effort (2 Corinthians 9:8). The scene corrects any notion that divine calling demands ascetic scarcity; rather, disciples leave everything not out of lack but in response to experienced abundance (Luke 5:11).

Old Testament Background

While the specific Greek term is new, its concept resonates with Old Testament motifs of divinely granted harvests (Genesis 26:12; Deuteronomy 28:2). Prophetic images of fishermen gathering nations (Jeremiah 16:16; Ezekiel 47:9-10) prepare for the evangelistic mission Jesus inaugurates.

Historical and Cultural Context

First-century Galilean fishing involved drag-nets and boat teams working the night shift for optimal results. Failure after such labor underscored economic vulnerability. Jesus’ daylight directive runs counter to professional wisdom, heightening the miracle’s impact and showing that divine instruction, not conventional expertise, secures true success.

Discipleship and Ministry Implications

• Call and Commission: The miraculous ἄγρα immediately transitions to the call to “catch men,” making the haul a lived parable of evangelism.
• Dependence on Christ: Ministry fruitfulness hinges on obedience to Christ’s word rather than human strategy (Luke 5:5).
• Humility: Peter’s acknowledgment of sinfulness (Luke 5:8) shows that awareness of unworthiness often accompanies the clearest vision of divine power.
• Teamwork: Nets, boats, and partners emphasize cooperative labor in gospel mission (Philippians 1:27).

Application for Contemporary Believers

The twofold appearance of ἄγρα encourages believers to trust Christ for spiritual harvest regardless of prior disappointments. It calls congregations to venture “into deep water”—places of risk, cultural resistance, or unreached peoples—confident that the same Lord who filled Galilean nets continues to draw souls into His kingdom.

Summary

Though linguistically modest, ἄγρα captures a pivotal revelation of Jesus’ authority and a foundational moment in apostolic formation. Its narrative power extends beyond fishing boats on Lake Gennesaret, inviting every generation of disciples to expectant obedience, humble worship, and participation in the ongoing mission to gather people for the glory of God.

αγρα άγρα ἄγρᾳ αγραν άγραν ἄγραν agra ágrāi agran ágranInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts