Lexical Summary halieuó: To fish, to catch fish Original Word: ἁλιεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go fishing. From halieus; to be a fisher, i.e. (by implication) to fish -- go a-fishing. see GREEK halieus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom halieus Definition to fish NASB Translation fishing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 232: ἁλιεύωἁλιεύω; (ἁλιεύς); to fish: John 21:3. (Philo, Plutarch.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope of the Verb ἁλιεύω denotes the act of catching fish with net, hook, or line. In the Greco-Roman world it could describe either a livelihood or a momentary activity undertaken for sustenance. Although the New Testament preserves the verb only once, its semantic field embraces every dimension of fishing—planning, launching out, laboring through the night, hauling the catch, and marketing the produce. Single New Testament Occurrence (John 21:3) After the resurrection, Simon Peter tells six other disciples, “I am going fishing” (John 21:3). Their immediate response, “We will go with you,” returns the group to the familiar work they had left behind to follow Jesus (Luke 5:1-11). The night’s failure (“they caught nothing”) sets the stage for the risen Lord to reveal Himself at dawn, fill their nets miraculously, and recommission Peter. Thus, the single use of ἁλιεύω carries narrative weight far beyond its frequency: it marks the transition from mere occupation to Spirit-empowered vocation. Fishing as a Metaphor for Evangelistic Mission 1. Promise: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). By employing ἁλιεύω and related terminology, Scripture portrays evangelism as patient, skillful, cooperative labor under the Lord’s direction. Just as fish are drawn from one realm to another, so believers are called out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9). Historical and Cultural Background First-century fishing on the Sea of Galilee required teamwork—rowers, net-casters, and sorters—plus knowledge of seasons and depths. Nets were made of linen, detectable by fish in daylight; hence night fishing was common (John 21:3). The trade was physically demanding yet respectable, producing a modest income that sustained many Galilean families. Jesus’ choice of fishermen for key leadership highlights traits such as perseverance, courage, and cooperative skill valued in kingdom service. Narrative and Theological Significance in John 21 • Restoration: Peter’s announcement “I am going fishing” mirrors his earlier denial and signals uncertainty; Christ’s appearance on the shore reverses that failure. Related Vocabulary and Concepts • ἁλιεύς (fisherman, Matthew 4:18) – the practitioner. These terms together create a vivid missional tapestry: Christ supplies the fish, His servants cast the net, and the gospel lands the catch. Practical Ministry Reflections 1. Initiative belongs to Christ; obedience belongs to His disciples. Successful “fishing” follows sensitive response to the Master’s timing and instruction. Summary Though ἁλιεύω appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its narrative context and metaphorical associations make it a key verb for understanding apostolic identity and gospel outreach. From Galilee’s shores to the ends of the earth, the call persists: cast the net at Christ’s word, and draw people into everlasting life. Forms and Transliterations αλιευειν αλιεύειν ἁλιεύειν αλιεύσουσιν alieuein halieuein halieúeinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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