What Biblically Symbolizes Fishing?
Fishing plays a significant role in the Bible, symbolizing spiritual pursuit and evangelism. Notably, Jesus uses fishing analogies when instructing His disciples, emphasizing the importance of pursuing the lost in the same way one fishing diligently seeks his catch. This metaphor carries a spiritual necessity of ‘catching’ souls, bringing them to the light and truth of God’s word. An in-depth study of the Bible’s fishing narratives provides a better understanding of Christianity’s missionary calling.
Who Were the Fishermen of the Bible?
Several of Jesus’ disciples, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, were fishermen by trade before they became followers of Jesus. Fishing, for them, was a daily task and source of livelihood. This occupation made them familiar with hard work, patience, and perseverance, traits that later became useful in their spiritual journey. As Jesus called them to become “fishers of men,” they understood the metaphor in a unique way, applying their fishing experiences to their evangelistic endeavors. This shows that ordinary people with humble occupations can significantly impact the Kingdom of God.
Where Do We See Fishing in the Biblical Narratives?
Fishing takes place in several Biblical narratives, often by the Sea of Galilee, where many of the disciples lived and worked. For the disciples, fishing was a familiar part of their everyday life, and Jesus used this familiar setting to teach them spiritual truths. For example, the miraculous catch of fish revealed Jesus’ divine power, as he filled the disciples’ nets with fish after a long day of unfruitful labor. This miracle underscored the difference between human effort and divine intervention. These fishing narratives create a connection between the everyday life and spiritual principles, underscoring the relevance of the Bible in the daily lives of believers.
Why Is the Metaphor of Fishing Important in the Bible?
The metaphor of fishing in the Bible is crucial as it communicates the idea of evangelism. Just as fishing requires patience, readiness, and the right tools, so does the process of winning souls to God’s Kingdom. Jesus called His disciples to be “fishers of men,” an invitation to participate in God’s mission of saving humanity. This metaphor underscores obedience, patience, and dedication, key virtues needed in the mission of evangelism. Studying fishing in the Bible helps believers deepen their understanding of their role in evangelism.
When Does Jesus Refer to Fishing in His Teachings?
Jesus frequently uses fishing in His teachings to provide a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. The disciples’ profession as fishermen provided a tangible point of reference when talking about the Kingdom of God. He communicated his call to discipleship by inviting Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men,” signifying the shift from their ordinary occupations to their new assignments as evangelists. Jesus also refers to a fishing net in His parable of the net, explaining the Kingdom’s inclusivity and the ultimate divine judgement. Therefore, fishing in Jesus’ teachings provides a clear context for understanding the Kingdom of God’s work.
Below is the full list of bible verses on fishing (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Fishing
Matthew 4:19
“19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Food
Matthew 13:47
“47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:”
John 21:3
“3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”
Genesis 1:28
“28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Children Stewardship Creativity Dominion
Luke 5:6
“6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.”
Luke 5:4-6
“4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.”
Ezekiel 47:9-10
“9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.10 And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”
Related Themes: Water
Matthew 17:24-27
“24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Mark 1:14-20
“14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.”
Related Themes: Repentance Preaching
Genesis 1:26
“26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Omnipotence Earth Greatness Creativity
Ezekiel 47:10
“10 And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”
Luke 5:5
“5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”
Job 41:7
“7 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?”
Jeremiah 16:16
“16 Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.”
Luke 5:10
“10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
Luke 5:4
“4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”
John 21:11
“11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.”
Mark 1:17
“17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”
Related Themes: Availability
Matthew 17:27
“27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”
Matthew 4:18
“18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Jonah 1:17
“17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
Luke 5:1-11
“1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”
Related Themes: Repentance Omnipotence
Mark 1:16-20
“16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Ezekiel 47:9
“9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.”
Related Themes: Water
John 21:6
“6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”
Related Themes: Abundance
Genesis 9:2
“2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.”
Ezekiel 26:14
“14 And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.”
Luke 1:37
“37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Criticism Strangers Creativity Faith
Mark 1:16
“16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Psalm 23:1-6
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Life Hope Omnipotence
