### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ichthýs**, represented by `{{G2486}}`, is the term for **fish**. It appears **20 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used literally to refer to the animal, often in the context of food, miraculous provision, and the act of fishing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2486}}` is central to several miracles. It is most famously mentioned in the accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes, where a few **loaves** `{{G740}}` and **fishes** were multiplied to feed thousands ([[Matthew 14:19]], [[Matthew 15:36]]). The word also features prominently in miraculous catches of **fish**, such as the great **draught** `{{G61}}` that was so large the **net** `{{G1350}}` began to **break** `{{G1284}}` [[Luke 5:6]], and another where the disciples were unable to **draw** `{{G1670}}` the net due to the multitude of **fishes** [[John 21:6]]. It is also used when Jesus eats a piece of broiled **fish** after his resurrection [[Luke 24:42]] and in the unique account where Peter is instructed to find money in a **fish's** mouth [[Matthew 17:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{G2486}}`, providing context for its use:
* `{{G1350}}` **díktyon** (a seine (for fishing)): This word for **net** is essential to the fishing narratives. A great multitude of **fishes** caused the **net** to **break** `{{G1284}}` [[Luke 5:6]], and in another miraculous catch, the disciples came to shore **dragging** `{{G4951}}` the **net** with **fishes** [[John 21:8]].
* `{{G3789}}` **óphis** (a snake...): This word for **serpent** is used as a direct contrast to **fish**. In a teaching about a father's gifts, it is asked if a father would give his son a **serpent** instead of a **fish** [[Matthew 7:10]].
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread (as raised) or a loaf): This word is frequently paired with `{{G2486}}`, particularly in the miracles of feeding the multitudes, where Jesus took the **loaves** and the **fishes** to provide for the crowds [[Matthew 14:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2486}}` is demonstrated through its role in divine acts and teachings.
* **Divine Provision and Abundance:** The **fish** is a key element in miracles that display God's power to provide. This is seen in the feeding of the multitudes from a few **fishes** [[Mark 6:41]] and the miraculous **draught** `{{G61}}` of **fishes** that represents overwhelming blessing [[Luke 5:9]].
* **Good Gifts vs. Evil:** Jesus uses a **fish** as a metaphor for a good gift from a father, contrasting it with a **serpent** `{{G3789}}` to illustrate the goodness of God the Father [[Luke 11:11]].
* **Element of Creation:** The word is used by Paul to categorize different types of **flesh** `{{G4561}}`, placing **fishes** alongside men, **beasts** `{{G2934}}`, and **birds** `{{G4421}}` as distinct parts of God's created order [[1 Corinthians 15:39]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2486}}` is more than a simple word for an animal. It serves as a central object in narratives demonstrating Christ's miraculous power, from providing food for thousands to commanding a specific **fish** to provide a coin. As a symbol of both daily sustenance and divine abundance, **ichthýs** illustrates key theological concepts about God's provision, goodness, and authority over all creation.
TRV