ἀμφίβληστρον
amphiblēstron
net
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀμφίβληστρον (amphiblēstron) refers to a fishing net. Given that it occurs only twice in the Bible, its usage is quite specific. The word's definition provides a clear indication of its function and purpose - to catch fish. As a fishing net, ἀμφίβληストΟΝ would have been a common object in ancient Mediterranean communities that relied on fishing for food. Its relatively limited occurrence in the biblical text may be due to the fact that fishing nets were an ordinary tool, not typically highlighted in literature or religious writings. In this context, the significance of ἀμφίβληΣΤΟΝ lies in its representation of a mundane aspect of daily life. Its inclusion in the biblical narrative could be seen as an attempt to ground the stories in the experiences and practices of ordinary people, making the text more relatable and accessible.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
Mark 1:16Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.