Matthew 13:48

KJV

Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739}, when {G3753} it was full {G4137}, they drew {G307} to {G1909} shore {G123}, and {G2532} sat down {G2523}, and gathered {G4816} the good {G2570} into {G1519} vessels {G30}, but {G1161} cast {G906} the bad {G4550} away {G1854}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When it was full, the fishermen brought the net up onto the shore, sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad fish away.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but the bad they cast away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:48 concludes the Parable of the Net, vividly depicting the final stage of the fishing process where the catch is sorted. After the net, filled with all kinds of fish, is drawn to shore, the fishermen carefully separate the "good" fish, gathering them into vessels, while discarding the "bad" or worthless ones. This action serves as a powerful metaphor for the eschatological judgment, illustrating the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked at the close of the age, a central theme in Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 13:48 is the penultimate verse of the Parable of the Net, one of seven parables in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom") that illuminate the nature and progression of the Kingdom of Heaven. It immediately follows the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price ([Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - Parable of the Pearl of Great Price")) and the Parable of the Hidden Treasure ([Matthew 13:44](/matthew/13-44 "Matthew 13:44 - Parable of the Hidden Treasure")), forming a concluding pair with the Parable of the Weeds ([Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - Parable of the Weeds")). Like the Parable of the Weeds, the Parable of the Net emphasizes the coexistence of good and evil within the visible "kingdom" until a final, definitive separation at the end of the age, which Jesus explicitly interprets in [Matthew 13:49-50](/matthew/13-49-50 "Matthew 13:49-50 - Interpretation of the Parable of the Net").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of casting a net (specifically a dragnet, or *sagenē*, capable of catching a large variety of fish) and sorting the catch would have been profoundly familiar and relatable to Jesus' audience, many of whom lived in fishing communities around the Sea of Galilee. Fishing was a primary industry and a daily reality for many, including several of Jesus' disciples. Fishermen would regularly sort their catch, keeping the edible, commercially valuable fish and discarding those that were diseased, too small, or considered unclean according to Mosaic law (e.g., shellfish, which were not "fish" with fins and scales, as per [Leviticus 11:9-12](/leviticus/11-9-12 "Leviticus 11:9-12 - Clean and Unclean Fish")). This common practice provided a vivid and practical illustration for a profound spiritual truth about divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The central action of sorting in [Matthew 13:48](/matthew/13-48 "Matthew 13:48 - Sorting the Catch") underscores several key themes pervasive in the chapter and the broader book of Matthew. **Separation and Discernment** is paramount, highlighting God's ultimate act of distinguishing between those truly belonging to His kingdom and those who do not. This leads directly to the theme of **Final Judgment**, where the "good" are preserved and the "bad" are discarded, echoing the eschatological separation described in other parables like the sheep and goats in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). The parable also subtly reinforces **Divine Sovereignty**, as the sorting is not a human initiative but a divinely ordained process, executed by "angels" at the "end of the age," as explained in [Matthew 13:49](/matthew/13-49 "Matthew 13:49 - Angels as Harvesters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Greek, _plēróō'_):** From G4137, meaning "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc." In this context, it refers to the net being completely filled with fish, signifying the culmination of the ingathering period, representing the full extent of the "catch" of humanity within the visible sphere of the Kingdom before the final separation.
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** From G2570, meaning "properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from ἀγαθός, which is properly intrinsic):--X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy." Here, "good" denotes fish that are wholesome, edible, and fit for consumption, representing those who are truly righteous and fit for God's eternal kingdom.
* **bad (Greek, _saprós'_):** From G4550, meaning "rotten, i.e. worthless (literally or morally):--bad, corrupt. Compare πονηρός." This term starkly contrasts with "good," describing fish that are putrid, corrupt, or unfit for use. Spiritually, it signifies those who are morally corrupt, unrighteous, and ultimately unfit for eternal life in God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which, when it was full, they drew to shore":** This clause signifies the completion of the gathering phase, representing the entire period of the present age during which the gospel is proclaimed and people are drawn into the visible sphere of the Kingdom of Heaven. The act of "drawing to shore" marks the decisive transition from the open sea (the world) to the point of judgment, indicating the end of the age when the final assessment will occur.
* **"and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels":** The action of "sitting down" implies a deliberate, authoritative, and settled act of judgment, much like a judge taking his seat. The "good" fish, representing the righteous, are carefully selected and preserved "into vessels." These vessels symbolize a secure and permanent place of safekeeping, often interpreted as eternal habitations or the storage of the redeemed in God's kingdom.
* **"but cast the bad away":** This stark contrast highlights the fate of the "bad" fish, representing the wicked. They are not merely discarded but "cast away," implying a forceful and definitive rejection. The term "away" (Greek, _éxō_) often denotes being cast outside, banished from the presence of God and His kingdom, leading to destruction or eternal condemnation, as explicitly stated in the parable's interpretation in [Matthew 13:50](/matthew/13-50 "Matthew 13:50 - The Furnace of Fire").

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:48 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the net representing the proclamation of the gospel and the visible church gathering all sorts of people, the fish symbolizing humanity, the good fish representing the righteous, and the bad fish representing the wicked. The "vessels" symbolize eternal blessedness, while being "cast away" symbolizes eternal condemnation. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, where each element of the fishing scenario corresponds to a spiritual reality concerning the Kingdom of Heaven and the final judgment. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between the "good" and the "bad" fish, emphasizing the absolute and irreconcilable difference between the two categories and their distinct eternal destinies. This contrast heightens the urgency and seriousness of the parable's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:48 powerfully underscores the biblical truth of eschatological judgment and the ultimate separation of humanity. While God's grace extends broadly during the present age, drawing all kinds of people into the visible church, this verse serves as a sober reminder that this inclusive period will culminate in a divine sifting. The sorting of the fish is not a human endeavor but a sovereign act of God, executed with perfect justice and discernment, revealing that outward association with the Kingdom is insufficient; only those who are truly "good" in God's sight, having responded genuinely to His call and bearing fruit consistent with repentance and faith, will be preserved for eternity. This truth compels believers to live with an eternal perspective, examining their lives to ensure they are indeed among the "good" fish.

* [Matthew 13:49-50](/matthew/13-49-50 "Interpretation of the Parable of the Net")
* [Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "The Separation of the Sheep and Goats")
* [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:48 stands as a profound call to introspection and earnest living. It challenges us to move beyond mere outward association with the Christian faith and to seriously consider the quality of our spiritual lives. Are we producing "good fruit" that reflects a genuine transformation by the Spirit, or are we merely "bad fish," outwardly appearing to be part of the catch but inwardly corrupt or worthless in God's sight? This parable reminds us that the present age is a time of grace and opportunity, but it is also a time of preparation for a certain future judgment. It compels us to live with intentionality, seeking to honor God in all we do, knowing that our eternal destiny hinges on our relationship with Him and the fruit of our lives. For those who are truly in Christ, it offers assurance of their secure place in His kingdom, while for others, it serves as a solemn warning to repent and believe before the final, irreversible separation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good fruit" is evident in my life that demonstrates a genuine relationship with Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be like the "bad fish," holding onto things that are "worthless" in God's eyes?**
* **How does the reality of a future judgment impact my daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "casting the bad away" signify in this parable?**

Answer: "Casting the bad away" in Matthew 13:48 signifies the ultimate and irreversible rejection of the wicked at the final judgment. As Jesus explains in the interpretation of this parable in [Matthew 13:49-50](/matthew/13-49-50 "Matthew 13:49-50 - Interpretation of the Parable of the Net"), "the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire." This imagery consistently points to eternal condemnation, separation from God's presence, and the just consequences for those who have rejected Him or lived lives of unrepentant wickedness. It is a stark warning that outward religious affiliation or presence within the visible church is not enough; true righteousness and genuine faith are required for eternal salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 13:48 speaks of a future judgment and separation, its ultimate fulfillment and meaning are deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, provides the means for humanity to be counted among the "good" fish, cleansed from sin and made righteous before God. The "gathering" into the net, representing the ingathering of humanity into the visible kingdom, is made possible by Christ's redemptive mission, as He came to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Save the Lost")). The very standard by which "good" and "bad" are judged is Christ Himself, for He is the embodiment of perfect righteousness. Our hope of being gathered into the "vessels" of eternal life rests not on our own inherent goodness, but on being found "in Christ" ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")), clothed in His righteousness. Thus, the solemn reality of judgment in this verse ultimately points to the necessity of faith in Jesus as the only way to escape being "cast away" and to inherit eternal life with God ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Matthew 13:30

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Matthew 13:40

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Matthew 13:43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.