from a derivative of (to equip) meaning furniture, especially a pack-saddle (which in the East is merely a bag of netted rope); a "seine" for fishing:--net.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σαγήνη (sagḗnē, `{{G4522}}`) primarily denotes a "seine" or "dragnet." Its etymological root traces to a derivative of a verb meaning "to equip," and its earlier semantic range could encompass "furniture" or, more specifically, a "pack-saddle" described as a "bag of netted rope." This suggests an underlying concept of something woven or netted, designed for containment or extensive gathering. In its New Testament usage, however, its meaning is singularly focused on a large fishing net. Unlike smaller casting nets (e.g., ἀμφίβληστρον, `{{G293}}`) or general fishing nets (e.g., δίκτυον, `{{G1350}}`), the σαγήνη is characterized by its capacity to sweep a wide area, indiscriminately collecting everything within its path.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σαγήνη (sagḗnē, `{{G4522}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew's Parable of the Net:
* **[[Matthew 13:47]]**: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net (σαγήνη) that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind."
* **[[Matthew 13:48]]**: "When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad."
This parable concludes Jesus' series of parables concerning the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 13. The context is eschatological, focusing on the nature of the Kingdom during the present age and its ultimate consummation. The "sea" represents the world, and the net's indiscriminate gathering signifies the broad, inclusive reach of the gospel, drawing in all types of people—both genuine believers and those who merely associate with the Kingdom outwardly. The subsequent act of drawing the net ashore and sorting the fish clearly points to the final judgment at the end of the age, where a definitive separation will occur between the righteous and the wicked.
### Related Words & Concepts
Other Greek words for "net" in the New Testament include:
* δίκτυον (diktyon, `{{G1350}}`): A general term for a fishing net, often referring to smaller nets used for casting or trammel fishing, as seen when Jesus calls His first disciples (e.g., [[Matthew 4:20-21]], [[Luke 5:2-6]]).
* ἀμφίβληστρον (amphiblēstron, `{{G293}}`): Specifically a casting net, thrown by hand, used in [[Matthew 4:18]] and [[Mark 1:16]].
The distinctiveness of σαγήνη (sagḗnē, `{{G4522}}`) lies in its large size and method of use—a dragnet that sweeps broadly, collecting everything in its path. This specific imagery is crucial for the parable's message of universal ingathering. The concept of "gathering" (συνάγω, synagō, `{{G4863}}`) and "separation" (χωρίζω, chōrizō, `{{G5563}}`) are central themes, echoing the imagery of the harvest (θερισμός, therismos, `{{G2326}}`) found in the Parable of the Weeds ([[Matthew 13:24-30]], [[Matthew 13:36-43]]). Both parables underscore the coexistence of good and evil within the world and the visible church until the final judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of σαγήνη (sagḗnē, `{{G4522}}`) in the Parable of the Net carries profound theological weight. It symbolizes the expansive and indiscriminate nature of the Kingdom of Heaven in its present, earthly manifestation. Just as a dragnet gathers all fish, both good and bad, the gospel message and the visible community of believers (the church) encompass a diverse array of individuals, some truly committed to Christ and others merely nominal or hypocritical. This parable highlights:
1. **Divine Patience:** God allows both the righteous and the unrighteous to coexist within the sphere of His Kingdom's influence until the appointed time of judgment.
2. **Universal Reach:** The Kingdom's invitation is broad, extending to "every kind" of person.
3. **Future Judgment:** The "drawing ashore" and "sorting" unequivocally point to the certainty of an eschatological judgment, where a definitive and irreversible separation will occur between those who are truly God's and those who are not. The "bad" fish, like the weeds in the previous parable, represent those who will be cast out into "the fiery furnace" ([[Matthew 13:42]], [[Matthew 13:50]]).
The parable serves as both a warning and an encouragement: a warning against complacency and false assurance, and an encouragement for believers to persevere in righteousness, knowing that true discipleship will be recognized and rewarded at the end of the age.
### Summary
The Greek word σαγήνη (sagḗnē, `{{G4522}}`) specifically refers to a large dragnet or seine, distinct from other types of fishing nets. Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 13:47-48]], is pivotal for understanding the Parable of the Net. This parable vividly illustrates the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven in the present age, emphasizing its broad, indiscriminate gathering of all humanity. The imagery of the net being drawn ashore and the fish sorted underscores the eschatological reality of God's final judgment, where a clear and definitive separation will occur between the righteous and the wicked. Thus, σαγήνη functions as a powerful symbol of divine patience, the comprehensive scope of the gospel, and the ultimate certainty of future divine reckoning.
TRV