Fishing-lines, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, are an essential tool in the practice of fishing, a common occupation and metaphor in biblical times. The use of fishing-lines can be inferred from the broader context of fishing practices described in the Scriptures.

Biblical Context

Fishing was a significant industry in the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Bible frequently references fishing, both as a livelihood and as a metaphor for spiritual truths. While nets are more commonly mentioned, the concept of fishing-lines can be understood as part of the fishing practices of the time.

Fishing in the New Testament

The New Testament provides several accounts of fishing, particularly in the Gospels, where many of Jesus' disciples were fishermen by trade. In Matthew 4:18-19 , Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This metaphorical use of fishing underscores the importance of the practice in the daily lives of the people and its spiritual significance.

In Matthew 17:27 , Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish to find a coin in its mouth to pay the temple tax: "But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours." This passage suggests the use of a fishing-line with a hook, highlighting the method of line fishing.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Fishing, including the use of lines, serves as a powerful symbol in the Bible. The act of fishing for men, as Jesus described, represents the mission of spreading the Gospel and bringing people into the Kingdom of God. The precision and patience required in line fishing can be seen as analogous to the careful and deliberate approach needed in evangelism and discipleship.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient times, fishing-lines would have been made from natural materials such as flax or other plant fibers, with hooks crafted from bone, wood, or metal. The simplicity and effectiveness of these tools reflect the resourcefulness of the people and their reliance on God's provision through the natural world.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention fishing-lines, their implied use in the context of fishing narratives enriches our understanding of biblical life and teachings. The practice of fishing, whether by net or line, serves as a profound metaphor for the Christian mission and the call to be "fishers of men."

Monos
... coconut trees; and on the very edge of the sea an almond-tree, its roots built up
to seaward with great stones, its trunk hung with fishing lines; and around it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

Book ii. Believers have Always Found their Satisfaction in that ...
... There stands by my side, to guide me through the difficulties which I have enunciated,
a poor fisherman, ignorant, uneducated, fishing-lines in hand, clothes ...
/.../book ii believers have always.htm

Fishing-lines (1 Occurrence)
Fishing-lines. Fishing-boats, Fishing-lines. Fishing-net .
Multi-Version Concordance Fishing-lines (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ...
/f/fishing-lines.htm - 6k

Fishing-boats (1 Occurrence)
Fishing-boats. Fishing-boat, Fishing-boats. Fishing-lines . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Fishing-boat, Fishing-boats. Fishing-lines . Reference Bible.
/f/fishing-boats.htm - 6k

Fishing-net (3 Occurrences)
Fishing-net. Fishing-lines, Fishing-net. Fishnets . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Fishing-lines, Fishing-net. Fishnets . Reference Bible.
/f/fishing-net.htm - 7k

Pine (28 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 19:8 The fishermen will be sad, and all those who put fishing-lines into
the Nile will be full of grief, and those whose nets are stretched out on the ...
/p/pine.htm - 17k

Groan (32 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 19:8 The fishermen will be sad, and all those who put fishing-lines into
the Nile will be full of grief, and those whose nets are stretched out on the ...
/g/groan.htm - 21k

Hooks (41 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 19:8 The fishermen will be sad, and all those who put fishing-lines into
the Nile will be full of grief, and those whose nets are stretched out on the ...
/h/hooks.htm - 19k

Sad (73 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 19:8 The fishermen will be sad, and all those who put fishing-lines into
the Nile will be full of grief, and those whose nets are stretched out on the ...
/s/sad.htm - 27k

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