Matthew 13:47

KJV

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)

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}:

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Parable of the Dragnet, presented in Matthew 13:47, offers a profound illustration of the Kingdom of Heaven as it operates in the present age. Jesus likens the kingdom to a large fishing net cast into the sea, indiscriminately gathering all types of fish. This imagery highlights the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the gospel's call, drawing people from all walks of life into the visible community of faith, and implicitly foreshadows the future, divine separation of the righteous from the unrighteous at the consummation of the age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is the sixth in a series of seven "Parables of the Kingdom" found in [Matthew chapter 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom"). It immediately follows the Parable of the Leaven and precedes the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price. Crucially, it closely parallels the themes introduced in the earlier [Parable of the Wheat and Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Wheat and Tares"), which also emphasizes the co-existence of genuine and false adherents within the kingdom's earthly manifestation, culminating in a future, definitive separation. The parables in this chapter collectively reveal various aspects of the kingdom's mysterious growth, its challenges, and its ultimate triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus delivered these parables to a largely agrarian and fishing-based audience in Galilee. The imagery of a net and the sea would have been immediately understandable and highly relatable to His listeners, many of whom were fishermen or lived near the [Sea of Galilee](/matthew/4-18 "Matthew 4:18 - Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee"), a bustling center for the fishing industry. The "net" (Greek: _sagēnē_) refers specifically to a large dragnet or seine net, which was deployed by two boats or from the shore, sweeping a vast area and collecting everything in its path, both valuable and worthless. This method of fishing accurately depicts the broad, indiscriminate gathering process Jesus describes, reflecting the realities of their daily lives.
* **Key Themes:** The Parable of the Dragnet contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **broad gathering** of humanity into the visible expression of the Kingdom of Heaven, as the gospel is proclaimed universally, drawing people from "every kind" of background and moral standing. Secondly, it highlights the **mixed composition** of the earthly kingdom, acknowledging that the visible church will contain both true believers and those who merely profess faith, a reality also powerfully illustrated in the [Parable of the Wheat and Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Wheat and Tares"). Finally, and most importantly, it strongly foreshadows the **future separation and judgment**, a theme explicitly developed in the subsequent verses of the parable ([Matthew 13:48-50](/matthew/13-48-50 "Matthew 13:48-50 - The Separation of the Fish")) and echoed in other eschatological teachings of Jesus, such as the [Parable of the Sheep and Goats](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **net (Greek, _sagēnē'_):** From G4522, this term specifically denotes a "seine" or dragnet. Unlike a small, hand-cast net, a _sagēnē_ is a large, sweeping net designed to encompass a vast area of water, capturing everything within its path. This emphasizes the comprehensive and indiscriminate nature of the initial gathering into the kingdom, signifying that the gospel call extends broadly, without initial distinction of worthiness.
* **sea (Greek, _thálassa'_):** From G2281, referring to the sea. In biblical symbolism, the "sea" often represents the Gentile nations or the tumultuous, unredeemed world from which God's people are drawn. Here, it signifies the vast expanse of humanity from which the Kingdom of Heaven draws its members, emphasizing the global scope of the gospel's reach.
* **kind (Greek, _génos'_):** From G1085, meaning "kin," "diversity," or "offspring." The phrase "every kind" (_ek pantos genous_) underscores the indiscriminate nature of the net's catch. It implies that the visible kingdom will comprise individuals of all sorts—both those who are genuinely converted and those who are not, those who are morally upright and those who are not—reflecting the diverse and often mixed composition of humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net,"**: This opening phrase signals a continuation of Jesus' teaching on the nature of God's reign, using a familiar parabolic form. The "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's sovereign rule, which has both a present, earthly manifestation (the visible church) and a future, perfected realization. The comparison to a "net" (specifically a dragnet) immediately sets the stage for an illustration of a broad, comprehensive gathering.
* **"that was cast into the sea,"**: This clause describes the action of the net. The "casting into the sea" symbolizes the proclamation of the gospel and the establishment of God's kingdom within the world. The "sea" represents the world or humanity at large, from which people are drawn into the sphere of the kingdom's influence. It highlights the expansive reach of God's redemptive work.
* **"and gathered of every kind:"**: This final clause describes the result of the net's operation. The gathering "of every kind" signifies the indiscriminate nature of the initial collection. Just as a fishing net collects both good and bad, clean and unclean fish, so too does the visible Kingdom of Heaven, in its earthly phase, encompass a diverse array of individuals, some truly belonging to God and others merely outwardly associated. This sets up the critical theme of future separation.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Dragnet employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. Primarily, it is a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that uses familiar earthly scenarios to explain spiritual realities, making abstract concepts accessible. The phrase "the kingdom of heaven is like unto..." explicitly identifies it as a **Simile**, drawing a direct comparison between the kingdom and the net's operation. Furthermore, the parable is rich in **Symbolism**. The "net" symbolizes the gospel message or the visible church, which gathers people. The "sea" represents the world or humanity, the field of operation for the kingdom. The "fish" symbolize individuals, both genuine and false adherents. The subsequent verses, though not in 13:47, introduce the "good" and "bad" fish, symbolizing the righteous and the wicked, and the "fishermen" as angels, all contributing to a layered symbolic narrative that points to the ultimate divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Parable of the Dragnet profoundly illuminates the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven in its present, earthly form. It teaches us that the visible church, while a divine institution, is not yet a perfected body. It is a mixed community, encompassing both true believers and those who are merely nominal or hypocritical, drawn in by the broad reach of the gospel. This reality explains much of the imperfection, struggle, and even scandal that can be found within the church throughout history. However, the parable does not end with this mixed reality; it implicitly points towards the future, when God Himself will bring about a perfect separation. This provides both comfort, knowing that God is patient with the tares among the wheat, and a sober warning, reminding all within the visible kingdom that a final, discerning judgment awaits.

* [2 Timothy 2:20-21](/2_timothy/2-20-21 "2 Timothy 2:20-21 - Vessels of Honor and Dishonor")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened at the Great White Throne")
* [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Son of Man Judges the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Parable of the Dragnet offers crucial insights for believers and the church today, fostering both patience and vigilance. It reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven, as it exists on earth, is a work in progress, a vast net that gathers all types of people. This understanding should temper our expectations of a perfectly pure church in this age, fostering grace and forbearance towards fellow believers while also prompting discernment. It calls us to faithfully cast the net of the gospel widely, trusting God for the harvest, yet never forgetting that a day of reckoning will come. This parable challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we merely "fish" caught in the net, or are we truly transformed by the power of Christ, ready for the Master's eternal keeping? It encourages us to live lives that reflect genuine faith, knowing that outward association is not enough for eternal salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the reality of a "mixed" visible church, as depicted in this parable, shape your expectations and interactions within your own faith community?**
* **What does this parable teach us about God's patience and His ultimate justice concerning the final separation?**
* **In what ways does the image of the net gathering "every kind" encourage or challenge your approach to evangelism and outreach?**
* **Given the certainty of a future separation, how does this parable motivate you to examine the authenticity of your own faith and commitment to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What kind of net is Jesus referring to in this parable?**

Answer: Jesus is referring to a _sagēnē_ (σαγήνη), which is a large dragnet or seine net. Unlike a smaller, individual casting net, a dragnet is a massive net, often miles long, that would be deployed by two boats or from the shore to sweep a large area of water. It captures everything in its path indiscriminately, emphasizing the broad and comprehensive nature of the initial gathering of people into the visible Kingdom of Heaven. This type of net was common in the fishing industry on the [Sea of Galilee](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - Jesus Calls Peter, James, and John"), making the imagery highly relatable to Jesus' audience.

**What does "gathered of every kind" mean in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven?**

Answer: The phrase "gathered of every kind" (Greek: _ek pantos genous_) signifies that the net, representing the gospel message or the visible church, collects all types of "fish"—that is, all types of people—without initial distinction. This includes individuals from all backgrounds, moral standings, and spiritual conditions. Crucially, it implies that the visible church on earth will contain both genuine believers (the "good fish") and those who are merely outwardly associated or professing faith without true conversion (the "bad fish). This theme is consistent with the [Parable of the Wheat and Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Wheat and Tares"), which also speaks to a mixed community that awaits a future, divine separation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Parable of the Dragnet finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, particularly His role as the sovereign gatherer and the righteous judge. While the net gathers "every kind" indiscriminately in the present age, it is Christ who, at the end of the age, will preside over the definitive separation. He is the one who will send forth His angels to gather out of His kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity ([Matthew 13:41](/matthew/13-41 "Matthew 13:41 - The Son of Man Will Send His Angels")). This final judgment underscores the absolute purity of Christ's eternal kingdom, which will ultimately be comprised only of those who are truly His, washed by His blood and conformed to His image. The indiscriminate gathering of the net foreshadows the universal reach of the gospel proclaimed through Christ, while the subsequent separation points to His ultimate authority to discern and justly judge, ensuring that only those truly redeemed by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") will inherit eternal life in His perfected kingdom ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Shall Enter")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;