ἀναβιβάζω

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word anabibázō, represented by G307, means to cause to go up or to haul a net, and is translated as draw. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its base definition points to the specific physical action of hauling something upwards.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole biblical use of G307 is found in a parable in Matthew 13:48. Here, it describes the action taken after a fishing net is full. The verse states that "they drew to shore" the full net. This act of hauling the net from the water to the land is the pivotal moment that precedes the sorting of its contents, where the good are gathered into vessels and the bad are cast away.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of G307 is illuminated by several related words from the same passage:

• G123 aigialós (shore): This word defines the destination of the action, a beach where waves dash. After the net was full, it was drawn to the shore for sorting Matthew 13:48.
• G4816 syllégō (gather): This verb describes the action that immediately follows hauling the net. It means to collect, as seen when workers gather tares to be burned Matthew 13:40.
• G2570 kalós (good): This term describes what is kept from the catch. It signifies something valuable or virtuous, such as the good works that lead others to glorify God Matthew 5:16.
• G4550 saprós (bad): As the direct contrast to 'good', this word means rotten or worthless. It is used to describe both the fish cast away in the parable and corrupt communication that should be avoided Ephesians 4:29.

Theological Significance

While rare, the theological weight of G307 is significant within its parabolic context.

• Initiating Separation: The act to draw the net is the catalyst for the separation of the good from the bad. It represents a definitive moment of transition from gathering to judgment Matthew 13:48.
• Fulfillment before Action: The hauling occurs only "when it was full" Matthew 13:48. This connects the action of G307 to the concept of fulfillment, as seen with the related word plēróō G4137, which is used for the fulfillment of law and prophecy Matthew 5:17. The drawing happens only at the appointed time of completion.
• Gathering for Judgment: The word functions as the necessary precursor to the final gathering (syllégō) and sorting. This act of hauling to shore brings everything into the open to be judged, paralleling other biblical themes where a final gathering precedes judgment Matthew 13:41.

Summary

In summary, anabibázō G307 is a specific and potent verb. Though it appears only once, its role in the parable of the net gives it a crucial meaning. It represents the decisive action of "drawing" that brings a period of gathering to a close and initiates a final, definitive sorting. It powerfully illustrates how a simple physical act can symbolize the profound theological concept of eschatological judgment.