Matthew 13:47

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

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}:

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

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

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

In Matthew 13:47, Jesus presents another one of His profound parables describing the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse introduces the Parable of the Dragnet, which illustrates the comprehensive gathering of people into the visible church and the ultimate separation that will occur at the end of the age.

Context

This parable is part of a series of "Parables of the Kingdom" found in Matthew chapter 13. Following the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, which also speaks to a mixed field and a future separation, the Parable of the Dragnet reinforces the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven, as it manifests on earth, will contain both genuine and non-genuine adherents. Jesus often used agricultural and fishing imagery familiar to His audience, many of whom lived around the Sea of Galilee, a hub for fishing.

Key Themes

  • Broad Gathering: The "net" (Greek: sagēnē, a large dragnet) is cast into the "sea" (representing the world or humanity) and gathers "every kind." This signifies the broad, indiscriminate nature of the gospel's call and the initial gathering into the visible church, encompassing people from all backgrounds and moral standings.
  • Mixed Composition: Just as a fishing net catches both good and bad fish, so too does the Kingdom of Heaven, in its earthly expression, include both true believers and those who merely profess faith but do not possess it. This highlights the reality of a mixed community.
  • Future Separation: While verse 47 focuses on the gathering, the subsequent verses (Matthew 13:48-50) clearly delineate the separation of the good from the bad, paralleling the final judgment. This theme is also strong in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "net" used here is sagēnē (σαγήνη), which specifically refers to a large dragnet or seine net. Unlike a smaller cast net, a sagēnē is designed to sweep through a large area and gather everything in its path. This emphasizes the comprehensive and non-discriminatory nature of the initial gathering. The phrase "every kind" (ek pantos genous) underscores that the net indiscriminately collects all types of fish, symbolizing the diverse nature of those who respond to the gospel call, regardless of their true spiritual state.

Practical Application

This parable provides comfort and warning. For believers, it explains why the visible church often contains imperfections and hypocrisy; it is a mixed body until the end. It encourages patience and discernment, reminding us that the ultimate judgment of who is truly "good" (righteous) and who is "bad" (wicked) rests with God alone at the end of the age. Our mission is to continue proclaiming the gospel broadly, like casting the net, trusting that God will bring about the final separation and perfection of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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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