Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, nets were essential tools primarily used for fishing, a common occupation among the people of ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The use of nets is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both practical and spiritual themes.Old Testament References Nets are first mentioned in the Old Testament, where they are often associated with the livelihood of fishermen. In Habakkuk 1:15, the prophet describes the Chaldeans as fishermen who "catch them all with a hook, they drag them away with a net, and gather them in their fishing net; so they rejoice and are glad." Here, the net symbolizes the power and success of the Chaldeans in capturing their enemies. The use of nets is also metaphorically extended to describe traps or snares set by the wicked. In Psalm 140:5, David laments, "The proud have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and set traps along my path." This imagery conveys the dangers and deceit that the righteous may face from their adversaries. New Testament References In the New Testament, nets are prominently featured in the Gospels, particularly in the context of Jesus' ministry. The calling of the first disciples is a significant event involving nets. In Matthew 4:18-20 , Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew: "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.' At once they left their nets and followed Him." Here, the net symbolizes the disciples' former life and their new mission to gather people into the kingdom of God. The miraculous catch of fish is another notable event involving nets. In John 21:6 , after His resurrection, Jesus instructs the disciples, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." When they do, they are unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. This miracle underscores Jesus' authority and the abundance that comes from obedience to His word. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Nets in the Bible often symbolize the gathering of people, whether for judgment or salvation. In the Parable of the Net, found in Matthew 13:47-50 , Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a net that is let down into the sea and catches all kinds of fish. When the net is full, the fishermen pull it to shore, sit down, and collect the good fish in baskets, but throw the bad away. This parable illustrates the final judgment, where the righteous and the wicked will be separated. The imagery of nets also serves as a reminder of the call to evangelism. Just as fishermen use nets to gather fish, believers are called to spread the Gospel and draw people to Christ. The transformation from fishermen to "fishers of men" signifies the shift from a temporal occupation to an eternal mission. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, fishing was a vital industry, and nets were crafted from materials like flax or linen. They varied in size and design, including casting nets, drag nets, and trammel nets, each serving different purposes. The skillful use of nets required knowledge of the waters, weather conditions, and fish behavior, reflecting the expertise of those who made their living from the sea. Overall, nets in the Bible are rich in symbolism and provide insight into the daily life and spiritual teachings of the biblical world. They remind believers of the call to discipleship, the reality of judgment, and the promise of divine provision. ATS Bible Dictionary NetsAre often referred to in Scripture, Proverbs 1:17 Ecclesiastes 7:26 Isaiah 19:8,9 Habakkuk 1:15,16, particularly in connection with the first disciples of Christ, Matthew 4:18 13:47-50 Luke 5:1-10. Before the invention of fire-arms, nets were much used in hunting and fowling, and possible in catching men, as robbers, etc., Job 19:6 Psalm 140:5 Micah 7:2. Among the ancient Romans there was a gladiatorial game, in which one man was armed with sword and shield, and his antagonist with a net, by casting which he strove to entangle the other so that he might easily dispatch him with has dagger. Greek 1350. diktuon -- a net ... 6; Jn 21:6,8,11). [1350 () was also used for hunting nets, especially to catch birds.]. Word Origin from dikein (to cast) Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1350.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5322a. nets -- a blossom... 5322, 5322a. nets. 5322b . a blossom. Transliteration: nets Short Definition: blossoms. ... 5322, 5322a. nets. 5322b . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5322a.htm - 5k 5322b. nets -- hawk, falcon (a bird of prey) 5322. nets -- a blossom 4894a. mishtoach -- a spreading-place (for drying fruit or nets) 4894b. mishtach -- a spreading-place (for drying fruit or nets) 4894. mishtowach -- a spreading-place (for drying fruit or nets) 5019. Nebukadnetstsar -- "Nebo, protect the boundary," a Bab. king 4685c. metsodah -- a net 5333. netsib -- a pillar, prefect, garrison, post 4364a. makmor -- a net, snare Library St. Andrew's Day. And Jesus Saith unto Them, Follow Me. . . And ... Jesus Went into the Deeps. Use what You Have. Among the Fishermen. B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11 Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him. A Water Haul. The Recall of the Fishermen. Instructions for Fishermen The Early Preaching and the First Disciples Thesaurus Nets (33 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Nets (33 Occurrences). Matthew 4:20 They immediately left their nets and followed him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ... /n/nets.htm - 15k Trawl-nets (4 Occurrences) Fishing (4 Occurrences) Fishermen (8 Occurrences) Fishers (8 Occurrences) Immediately (141 Occurrences) Net (91 Occurrences) Zabdi (17 Occurrences) Zebedee (11 Occurrences) Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences) Resources What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Andrew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 3) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Nets (33 Occurrences)Matthew 4:20 Matthew 4:21 Mark 1:16 Mark 1:18 Mark 1:19 Luke 5:2 Luke 5:4 Luke 5:5 Luke 5:6 2 Samuel 22:6 1 Kings 7:17 1 Kings 7:41 1 Kings 7:42 Job 22:10 Psalms 18:5 Psalms 35:8 Psalms 38:12 Psalms 64:5 Psalms 116:3 Psalms 119:85 Psalms 140:5 Psalms 141:10 Psalms 142:3 Proverbs 13:14 Proverbs 14:27 Proverbs 22:5 Ecclesiastes 7:26 Isaiah 19:8 Jeremiah 18:22 Ezekiel 19:9 Ezekiel 26:5 Ezekiel 26:14 Ezekiel 47:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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