ἀμφίβληστρον

a fishing net, drag-net

Definition

ἀμφίβληστρον refers to a specific type of fishing net used in the ancient world, a circular casting net. It was designed to be thrown by hand (ἀμφιβάλλω means 'to throw around') over an area of water, where its weighted edges would sink and trap fish. In its two New Testament occurrences, it is the tool used by the fishermen Simon Peter and Andrew when Jesus calls them (Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16). The word specifically denotes this cast net, distinct from larger seine or drag nets, emphasizing the immediate, personal action of the fishermen Jesus called.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in parallel accounts of the same event. In both Matthew 4:18 and Mark 1:16, it describes the net being actively cast by Simon Peter and Andrew as they work at the Sea of Galilee. The usage is purely descriptive of their occupation, providing the concrete visual context for Jesus's call to become 'fishers of men.'

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀμφιβάλλω (amphiballō, G577), meaning 'to throw around' or 'to cast about.' It is a compound of ἀμφί (amphi), meaning 'on both sides' or 'around,' and βάλλω (ballō, G577), meaning 'to throw.' Thus, an ἀμφίβληστρον is literally 'a thing that is thrown around,' perfectly describing its circular casting action.

Semantic Range

While a simple tool, the ἀμφίβληστρον gains theological significance through its role in the calling of the first disciples. It symbolizes their former livelihood, which they immediately left behind to follow Jesus. Understanding it as a cast net—requiring skill, timing, and personal effort—enriches the metaphor of becoming 'fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19). It suggests the disciples' new mission will involve active, personal initiative in gathering people into God's kingdom, transitioning from catching fish to gathering souls.

In the 1st-century Galilean fishing industry, the ἀμφίβληστρον was a common, essential tool for individual fishermen or small partnerships working from the shore or boats. Its use required significant skill to throw effectively so it would open into a wide circle. This contrasts with some modern images of large, passive nets. The act of 'casting' this net was a familiar, daily sight around the Sea of Galilee, making Jesus's call and metaphor instantly understandable to his audience.

δίκτυον (diktyon, G1350) — A more general term for any kind of net or seine; σαγήνη (sagēnē, G4522) — A large drag-net or seine, hauled between boats or to shore.

Word Details

Scripture References