Bible Dictionary
Fishing, the art of
Fishing in biblical Palestine used casting nets, dragnets, and hooks, especially in the Sea of Galilee and other waters. Several of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen, and fishing became an image for gathering people into the kingdom.
Definition
Fishing in biblical Palestine was practiced with casting nets, dragnets, and hooks, especially in the waters of Galilee. The casting net was thrown over the water, while the larger dragnet or seine was drawn through the water, often from a boat.
Biblical Usage
Jesus called disciples from their fishing nets, performed miracles involving fish, and used fishing imagery for the gathering of people. The kingdom of heaven was compared to a net gathering fish of every kind.
Historical Background
Fishing was pursued with great industry in Palestinian waters. The New Testament distinguishes the casting net from the dragnet, and fish were also caught with a hook.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Was prosecuted with great industry in the waters of Palestine. It was from the fishing-nets that Jesus called his disciples (Mark 1:16-20), and it was in a fishing-boat he rebuked the winds and the waves (Matt. 8:26) and delivered that remarkable series of prophecies recorded in Matt. 13. He twice miraculously fed multitudes with fish and bread (Matt. 14:19; 15:36). It was in the mouth of a fish that the tribute-money was found (Matt. 17:27). And he “ate a piece of broiled fish” with his disciples after his resurrection (Luke 24:42, 43; comp. Acts 1:3). At the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-14), in obedience to his direction, the disciples cast their net “on the right side of the ship,” and enclosed so many that “they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” Two kinds of fishing-nets are mentioned in the New Testament: (1.) The casting-net (Matt. 4:18; Mark 1:16). (2.) The drag-net or seine (Matt. 13:48). Fish were also caught by the fishing-hook (Matt. 17:27). (See NET.)