English · KJV
G4522

σαγήνη

sagḗnē /sag-ay'-nay/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom a derivative of (to equip) meaning furniture, especially a pack-saddle (which in the East is merely a bag of netted rope)
Meaninga "seine" for fishing
KJV usagenet.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of sagḗnē — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word sagḗnē, represented by G4522, refers to a "seine" for fishing, a type of large dragnet. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The word's origin relates to the idea of equipment or furniture, but its biblical usage is strictly for this specific kind of net.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical appearance of G4522 is in a parable illustrating the nature of the kingdom of heaven. In this context, the kingdom G932 is described as being like a net that was cast G906 into the sea G2281. This act resulted in the gathering G4863 of fish from every G3956 kind G1085, establishing the word as a metaphorical object representing a broad gathering process Matthew 13:47.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words within its sole verse of use help to define the function and context of the sagḗnē:

  • G932 basileía (kingdom): The primary subject that the net is meant to illustrate is the kingdom of heaven Matthew 13:47.
  • G906 bállō (to throw): This verb describes the action taken with the net, emphasizing that it is actively cast into the sea to accomplish its purpose Matthew 13:47.
  • G4863 synágō (to lead together, collect or convene): This word clarifies the function of the net, which is to gather everything in its path Matthew 13:47.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4522 is drawn entirely from its role in the parable of the net.

  • Metaphor for the Kingdom: The net serves as a direct comparison for the kingdom of heaven, illustrating a key aspect of its operation in the world Matthew 13:47.
  • Indiscriminate Gathering: By design, the net gathered G4863 of every G3956 kind G1085, signifying the comprehensive and non-selective nature of the kingdom's initial reach.
  • An Active Process: The kingdom is not depicted as a passive concept but as an active force that is cast G906 and gathers G4863, implying deliberate action and purpose.

Summary

In summary, sagḗnē G4522 is a precise term for a dragnet whose single use in scripture gives it a profound metaphorical meaning. It is used exclusively to illustrate the kingdom of heaven as an active and all-encompassing tool of gathering, demonstrating how a simple object can represent a significant theological concept.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Dative Singular Feminine 1×
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Singular
One.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G932 βασιλεία from βασιλεύς; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):--kingdom, G906 βάλλω a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, li G2281 θάλασσα probably prolonged from ἅλς; the sea (genitive case or specially):--sea. G4863 συνάγω from σύν and ἄγω; to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably):--+ accompany, assembl G3956 πᾶς including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), a G1085 γένος from γίνομαι; "kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective):--born, country(-man), diver

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Matthew — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.