Matthew 13:47

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Once more, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net thrown into the lake, that caught all kinds of fish.

Berean Standard Bible:

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish.

American Standard Version:

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Again{G3825}, the kingdom{G932} of heaven{G3772} is{G2076} like{G3664} unto a net{G4522}, that was cast{G906} into{G1519} the sea{G2281}, and{G2532} gathered{G4863} of{G1537} every{G3956} kind{G1085}:

Cross-References (KJV):

2 Timothy 3:2

  • For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2 Timothy 3:5

  • Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

John 15:6

  • If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

1 John 4:1

  • ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:6

  • We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Revelation 3:1

  • And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

2 Timothy 4:3

  • For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

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Commentary for Matthew 13:47

Matthew 13:47 is part of a collection of parables spoken by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, which are intended to reveal the nature of the "kingdom of heaven." In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of a fishing net to illustrate principles related to the kingdom. The historical context of this verse is the ministry of Jesus in the region of Galilee, where fishing was a common occupation, making the analogy readily understandable to his audience.

The verse itself reads: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind." This short parable encapsulates several themes. Firstly, it suggests inclusivity, as the net does not discriminate and gathers all kinds of fish, representing how the kingdom of heaven is open to all people, regardless of background or status. Secondly, it implies a certain passivity in the process of gathering, indicating that the kingdom grows through the work of God's agents, like fishermen casting nets, rather than through human effort alone.

The broader context of the parable, as explained in the subsequent verses, is the eschatological sorting that will occur at the end of the age, where angels will separate the wicked from the righteous. This highlights the theme of judgment and the idea that while the invitation to the kingdom is universal, not everyone will ultimately be part of it. The parable serves as a warning to live righteously and as a reassurance that God's justice will prevail in the fullness of time.

In summary, Matthew 13:47 uses a familiar image from the daily lives of Jesus' listeners to teach about the universality of the gospel message, the expectation of a diverse community within the kingdom, and the ultimate separation of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing God's sovereignty in the process of salvation and judgment.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G3825
    There are 138 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πάλιν
    Transliteration: pálin
    Pronunciation: pal'-in
    Description: probably from the same as πάλη (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand:--again.
  2. Strong's Number: G932
    There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βασιλεία
    Transliteration: basileía
    Pronunciation: bas-il-i'-ah
    Description: from βασιλεύς; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):--kingdom, + reign.
  3. Strong's Number: G3772
    There are 264 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὐρανός
    Transliteration: ouranós
    Pronunciation: oo-ran-os'
    Description: perhaps from the same as ὄρος (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity):--air, heaven(-ly), sky.
  4. Strong's Number: G2076
    There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐστί
    Transliteration: estí
    Pronunciation: es-tee'
    Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
  5. Strong's Number: G3664
    There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὅμοιος
    Transliteration: hómoios
    Pronunciation: hom'-oy-os
    Description: from the base of ὁμοῦ; similar (in appearance or character):--like, + manner.
  6. Strong's Number: G4522
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σαγήνη
    Transliteration: sagḗnē
    Pronunciation: sag-ay'-nay
    Description: from a derivative of (to equip) meaning furniture, especially a pack-saddle (which in the East is merely a bag of netted rope); a "seine" for fishing:--net.
  7. Strong's Number: G906
    There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βάλλω
    Transliteration: bállō
    Pronunciation: bal'-lo
    Description: a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare ῥίπτω.
  8. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
  9. Strong's Number: G2281
    There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θάλασσα
    Transliteration: thálassa
    Pronunciation: thal'-as-sah
    Description: probably prolonged from ἅλς; the sea (genitive case or specially):--sea.
  10. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
  11. Strong's Number: G4863
    There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: συνάγω
    Transliteration: synágō
    Pronunciation: soon-ag'-o
    Description: from σύν and ἄγω; to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably):--+ accompany, assemble (selves, together), bestow, come together, gather (selves together, up, together), lead into, resort, take in.
  12. Strong's Number: G1537
    There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐκ
    Transliteration: ek
    Pronunciation: ex
    Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
  13. Strong's Number: G3956
    There are 1075 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πᾶς
    Transliteration: pâs
    Pronunciation: pas
    Description: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
  14. Strong's Number: G1085
    There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γένος
    Transliteration: génos
    Pronunciation: ghen'-os
    Description: from γίνομαι; "kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective):--born, country(-man), diversity, generation, kind(-red), nation, offspring, stock.