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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Fishers</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/fishers.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/4-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/fishers.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Fishers</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/f/fishermen--figurative.htm" title="Fishermen: Figurative">◄</a> Fishers <a href="/topical/f/fisher's.htm" title="Fisher's">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, fishing was a common occupation, particularly in regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Jordan River. The term "fishers" or "fishermen" is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the cultural and economic significance of fishing in ancient Israel and its surrounding areas.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>Fishing is mentioned in the Old Testament as a part of daily life and sustenance. The prophet Ezekiel references fishermen in his vision of the restored land: "And it will come to pass that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim. There will be places for spreading nets. Their fish will be of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many" (<a href="/ezekiel/47-10.htm">Ezekiel 47:10</a>). This passage highlights the abundance and diversity of fish, symbolizing prosperity and divine blessing.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, fishing takes on a more profound significance, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Several of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen by trade. Their calling by Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Gospels: "And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men'" (<a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a>). This metaphorical use of "fishers" signifies the disciples' new mission to gather people into the Kingdom of God, transforming their earthly occupation into a spiritual vocation.<br><br>The Sea of Galilee, a central location for Jesus' ministry, was a hub for fishing activity. The Gospels recount several miracles involving fish, such as the miraculous catch of fish (<a href="/luke/5-4.htm">Luke 5:4-7</a>) and the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed the multitude (<a href="/matthew/14-17.htm">Matthew 14:17-21</a>).<br><br><b>Symbolism and Metaphor</b><br><br>The imagery of fishing is rich with symbolic meaning in the Bible. It represents evangelism, the gathering of believers, and the spread of the Gospel. Jesus' call to be "fishers of men" underscores the transformative power of His message and the active role of His followers in spreading the Good News.<br><br>Fishing also serves as a metaphor for judgment and discernment. In the parable of the net, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a net that gathers fish of every kind, which are then sorted: "When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away" (<a href="/matthew/13-48.htm">Matthew 13:48</a>). This parable illustrates the final judgment, where the righteous are separated from the wicked.<br><br><b>Cultural and Economic Importance</b><br><br>Fishing was not only a spiritual metaphor but also a vital part of the economy in biblical times. Fishermen worked with nets, boats, and other tools to harvest fish, which were a staple in the diet of the people. The industry provided livelihoods and was integral to trade and commerce in the region.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The role of fishers in the Bible extends beyond their economic function, serving as a powerful symbol of discipleship, evangelism, and divine provision. Through the calling of the first disciples and the miracles associated with fish, the Scriptures convey profound spiritual truths about the mission and message of Jesus Christ.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/231.htm"><span class="l">231. halieus -- a fisherman</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a fisherman. Word Origin from hals (the sea) Definition a fisherman NASB<br> Word Usage fishermen (3), <b>fishers</b> (2). fisherman. From <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/231.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/kingsley/andromeda_and_other_poems/the_three_fishers.htm"><span class="l">The Three <b>Fishers</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE THREE <b>FISHERS</b>. Three <b>fishers</b> went sailing away to the West, Away to<br> the West as the sun went down; Each thought on the woman <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the three fishers.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_32_1886/how_to_become_fishers_of.htm"><span class="l">How to Become <b>Fishers</b> of Men</span></a> <br><b>...</b> How To Become <b>Fishers</b> of Men. A Sermon (No.1906). Delivered by. <b>...</b> "And Jesus saith<br> unto them, Follow me, and I will make you <b>fishers</b> of men.""Matthew 4:19. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/how to become fishers of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/baring-gould/the_village_pulpit_volume_ii_trinity_to_advent/xlii_the_secret_of_success.htm"><span class="l">The Secret of Success.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> No doubt our Lord desired to show those who were to become <b>fishers</b> of men that there<br> were two ways of doing a thing, and that one way would be successful and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlii the secret of success.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/town_and_country_sermons/sermon_xviii_st_peter.htm"><span class="l">St. Peter</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The first thing we hear of him is, how Jesus, walking by the Lake of Galilee, saw<br> Peter with his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were <b>fishers</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xviii st peter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/xxx_jesus_calls_four_fishermen.htm"><span class="l">Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a circular bell-shaped affair, which was thrown upon the water, so that it spread<br> out and caught, by sinking, whatever was below it]; for they were <b>fishers</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_john/tractate_cxxii_john_chapter_xx.htm"><span class="l">John Chapter xx. 30-31, and xxi. 1-11.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> with this fishing of the disciples, why Peter and the sons of Zebedee returned to<br> what they were before being called by the Lord; for they were <b>fishers</b> when He <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxii john chapter xx.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chadwick/the_gospel_of_st_mark/chapter_1_14-20_the_early_preaching.htm"><span class="l">The Early Preaching and the First Disciples</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And passing along by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew the brother<br> of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were <b>fishers</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 14-20 the early preaching.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hogg/the_diatessaron_of_tatian/section_v_jesus_answered_and.htm"><span class="l">Jesus Answered and Said unto Him, Get Thee Hence...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who was called Cephas, and Andrew<br> his brother, casting their nets into [45] the sea; for they were <b>fishers</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section v jesus answered and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_a/the_early_welcome_and_the.htm"><span class="l">The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter,<br> and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were <b>fishers</b>.19. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the early welcome and the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_desire_of_ages/chapter_25_the_call_by.htm"><span class="l">The Call by the Sea</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Upon reaching the shore, Jesus bade the three other disciples, "Follow Me, and I<br> will make you <b>fishers</b> of men." Immediately they left all, and followed Him. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 25 the call by.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/f/fishers.htm"><span class="l"><b>Fishers</b> (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Fishers</b> (8 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Matthew 4:19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will<br> make you <b>fishers</b> for men." (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fishers.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/walked.htm"><span class="l">Walked (178 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon named Peter and Andrew his<br> brother, casting a drag into the sea -- for they were <b>fishers</b> -- (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/walked.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fisherman.htm"><span class="l">Fisherman (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> yet were always ready to try once more (Luke 5:5 John 21:3). Such men, when impelled<br> by the same spirit as filled their Master, became indeed "<b>fishers</b> of men <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fisherman.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fisher.htm"><span class="l">Fisher (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> yet were always ready to try once more (Luke 5:5 John 21:3). Such men, when impelled<br> by the same spirit as filled their Master, became indeed "<b>fishers</b> of men <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fisher.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/eneglaim.htm"><span class="l">Eneglaim (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> eg'-la-im, en-eg-la'-im (`en `eghlayim, "fountain of calves"?): In Ezekiel's vision<br> of the waters it is one of the two points between which "<b>fishers</b> shall stand <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/eneglaim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/en-eglaim.htm"><span class="l">En-eglaim (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> eg'-la-im, en-eg-la'-im (`en `eghlayim, "fountain of calves"?): In Ezekiel's vision<br> of the waters it is one of the two points between which "<b>fishers</b> shall stand <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/en-eglaim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/drag.htm"><span class="l">Drag (19 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> along the shore of the Lake of Galilee He saw two brothers--Simon called Peter and<br> his brother Andrew--throwing a drag-net into the Lake; for they were <b>fishers</b><b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/drag.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/angle.htm"><span class="l">Angle (19 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> an'-g'-l: Used in Isaiah 19:8 for a Hebrew noun that is rendered "hook" in Job<br> 41:1: "The <b>fishers</b> shall lament, and all they that cast angle (hook) into the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/angle.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/follow.htm"><span class="l">Follow (267 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Follow (267 Occurrences). Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and<br> I will make you <b>fishers</b> of men. (KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/follow.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fish.htm"><span class="l">Fish (66 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> to their profession. Christ tells Simon and Andrew (Matthew 4:19 Mark<br> 1:17) that He will make them <b>fishers</b> of men. The Kingdom of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fish.htm - 38k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/fishers-of-men.html">What does it mean to be “fishers of men”? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Andrew-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Andrew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/questions-about-Matthew.html">Questions about Matthew | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Fishers (8 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">Matthew 4:18</a></span><br />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 <span class="boldtext">fishers</span>.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a></span><br />He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you <span class="boldtext">fishers</span> for men."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/1-16.htm">Mark 1:16</a></span><br />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 <span class="boldtext">fishers</span>.<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/1-17.htm">Mark 1:17</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you into <span class="boldtext">fishers</span> for men."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/5-2.htm">Luke 5:2</a></span><br />and he saw two boats standing beside the lake, and the <span class="boldtext">fishers</span>, having gone away from them, were washing the nets,<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/19-8.htm">Isaiah 19:8</a></span><br />The <span class="boldtext">fishers</span> also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/16-16.htm">Jeremiah 16:16</a></span><br />Behold, I will send for many <span class="boldtext">fishers</span>, 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.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezekiel/47-10.htm">Ezekiel 47:10</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass, that the <span class="boldtext">fishers</span> 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.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/fishers.htm">Fishers</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/coat.htm">Coat (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fishers.htm">Fishers (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fishes.htm">Fishes (32 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/girt.htm">Girt (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hook.htm">Hook (10 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/f/fishermen--figurative.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Fishermen: Figurative"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Fishermen: Figurative" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/f/fisher's.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Fisher's"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Fisher's" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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