Angling, the practice of fishing with a rod and line, is a method that has been used for centuries to catch fish. While the Bible does not explicitly mention angling as it is known today, fishing is a significant activity in biblical narratives, particularly in the New Testament. The practice of fishing is often used metaphorically and literally in the Scriptures, reflecting both the livelihood of certain biblical figures and the spiritual lessons taught by Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context

Fishing was a common occupation in the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen by trade. The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake, was abundant with fish, making it a central location for fishing activities. The Bible provides several accounts of fishing, which, while not specifically describing angling, highlight the importance of fishing in the daily lives of the people.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, fishing is prominently featured in the Gospels. One of the most well-known accounts is the calling of the first disciples. In Matthew 4:18-19 , it is written: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" This passage illustrates the transition from a physical act of fishing to a spiritual mission of evangelism.

Another significant event is the miraculous catch of fish, as recorded in Luke 5:4-7 : "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.' 'Master,' Simon replied, 'we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink." This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority but also serves as a metaphor for the abundance of spiritual blessings that come from obedience to Christ.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Fishing, and by extension angling, is rich with symbolic meaning in the Bible. The act of fishing for fish is paralleled with the mission of fishing for souls. Jesus' call to be "fishers of men" emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel and bringing others into the faith. The patience, skill, and perseverance required in fishing are qualities that are also essential in the spiritual life.

Moreover, the imagery of casting nets and drawing in fish is used to describe the gathering of believers into the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 13:47-48 , Jesus shares the parable of the net: "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away." This parable highlights the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In biblical times, fishing was primarily done with nets, as seen in the accounts of the disciples. However, the concept of angling, or fishing with a hook, is mentioned in the Old Testament. In Job 41:1-2 , God challenges Job with the question: "Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?" This passage, while not directly related to angling for fish, indicates the use of hooks in capturing creatures from the water.

Fishing, whether by nets or hooks, was an essential part of the economy and sustenance in biblical times. It provided food and livelihood for many, and its frequent mention in Scripture underscores its significance in the cultural and historical context of the Bible.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Angle.

2. (n.) The act of one who angles; the art of fishing with rod and line.

ANGLING

an'-gling: Angling, i.e. fishing with a hook or angle, was little known among the ancients. The fish were chiefly taken by casting nets, etc. (see Matthew 13:47). Compare e.g. "Then did Deucalion first the art invent of angling" (Davors, Secret of Angling, I). See NET.

The
... Thou art come within the Church's nets [420] : be taken alive, flee not: for Jesus
is angling for thee, not in order to kill, but by killing to make alive: for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the.htm

Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
... and how wise the people are who let it guide their judgments, or still wiser,
who fret their lives out in angling for its approval! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ and pilate the true.htm

Ebenezer!
... If Simon Peter had been angling over the side of his ship and had caught a fine
fish, he might have said, "Well done fisherman!" But when the boat was full of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

Angling
...ANGLING. an'-gling: Angling, ie fishing with a hook or angle, was little known among
the ancients. The fish were chiefly taken by casting nets, etc. ...
/a/angling.htm - 7k

Float (4 Occurrences)
... or boiler. 4. (n.) The cork or quill used in angling, to support the bait
line, and indicate the bite of a fish. 5. (vi) Anything ...
/f/float.htm - 10k

Fish (66 Occurrences)
... or yard. 9. (vi) To attempt to catch fish; to be employed in taking fish,
by any means, as by angling or drawing a net. 10. (vi) To ...
/f/fish.htm - 38k

Cast (640 Occurrences)
... 20. (vi) To throw, as a line in angling, esp., with a fly hook. 21. (vi) To turn
the head of a vessel around from the wind in getting under weigh. 22. ...
/c/cast.htm - 41k

Anglosaxon

/a/anglosaxon.htm - 6k

Angle-stone (2 Occurrences)
Angle-stone. Angles, Angle-stone. Angling . Multi-Version Concordance
Angle-stone (2 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Angles, Angle-stone. Angling . Reference
/a/angle-stone.htm - 6k

Arm (110 Occurrences)
... To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security,
or efficiency; as, to arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling. ...
/a/arm.htm - 42k

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