### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G61 (ἄγρα, *ágra*) primarily denotes the act of "catching" or, concretely, the "haul" or "draught" of what has been caught, specifically in the context of fishing. It derives from the verb ἄγω (*ágō*, `{{G71}}`), meaning "to lead," "to bring," or "to drive." This etymological connection underscores the active process of bringing something in, whether by pursuit or entrapment. Thus, *ágra* encapsulates both the dynamic process of securing a catch and the tangible result of that effort, a collection of gathered items, most notably fish. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the outcome of a hunt or fishing expedition, emphasizing the quantity or success of the endeavor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G61 appears twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within the narrative of the miraculous catch of fish in Luke's Gospel.
1. **[[Luke 5:4]]**: Jesus instructs Simon Peter, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught" (εἰς ἄγραν). Here, *ágra* is used in the singular, referring to the *purpose* or *aim* of letting down the nets – to secure a catch. It points to the anticipated act of fishing and the desired outcome. The fishermen, having toiled all night without success, are commanded to make one more attempt, despite their professional experience suggesting futility. This sets the stage for the demonstration of divine power.
2. **[[Luke 5:9]]**: Following the astonishing success of their obedience, the text states, "For they were astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken" (ἐπὶ τῇ ἄγρᾳ τῶν ἰχθύων ᾗ συνέλαβον). In this instance, *ágra* refers to the *actual, concrete haul* of fish. The sheer volume was so immense that the nets began to break, and two boats were filled to the point of sinking. This usage underscores the miraculous abundance and the tangible evidence of divine intervention, leading to profound awe and conviction among the fishermen.
In both occurrences, G61 is intrinsically linked to a supernatural event, serving as the immediate catalyst for Peter's confession of sinfulness and Jesus' subsequent call to discipleship, transforming Peter from a literal fisher of fish to a metaphorical "fisher of men."
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G61 naturally brings into view several related terms and concepts that enrich its understanding:
* **ἄγω (*ágō*, `{{G71}}`)**: The root verb from which *ágra* is derived, meaning "to lead," "to bring," or "to drive." This foundational connection highlights the active, purposeful nature of securing a catch.
* **ἁλιεύς (*halieus*, `{{G231}}`)**: "Fisherman." This noun denotes the agent who performs the *ágra*. The transition from literal fishermen to "fishers of men" is central to the theological significance of G61.
* **δίκτυον (*diktyon*, `{{G1350}}`)**: "Fishing net." The primary tool used to achieve the *ágra*. The breaking of the nets in [[Luke 5:6]] emphasizes the unprecedented size of the catch.
* **σαγήνη (*sagēnē*, `{{G4522}}`)**: "Dragnet" or "seine net." While not directly used in the Luke 5 narrative, this term appears in Jesus' parables ([[Matthew 13:47-48]]) to describe the gathering of all kinds of fish, which are then sorted. This concept parallels the gathering of people into the Kingdom of God.
* **ἰχθύς (*ichthys*, `{{G2486}}`)**: "Fish." The specific object of the "draught" in G61.
* **Metaphor of "Fishers of Men"**: The most significant conceptual link. Jesus' declaration in [[Luke 5:10]], "From now on you will be catching men," directly recontextualizes the literal *ágra* into a spiritual mission. The abundance of the fish catch prefigures the abundant harvest of souls through evangelism.
### Theological Significance
The word G61 (ἄγρα, *ágra*) in its biblical context carries profound theological weight, extending far beyond its literal meaning of a fish catch.
1. **Divine Power and Provision**: The miraculous *ágra* in [[Luke 5:4-9]] serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over creation. He commands the fish, despite the fishermen's prior futility, revealing His divine power to provide abundantly, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to bless beyond human expectation.
2. **Catalyst for Discipleship**: The overwhelming nature of the "draught" is the direct catalyst for Peter's spiritual awakening. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the miracle and recognizing Jesus' holiness, Peter confesses his sinfulness ([[Luke 5:8]]). This divinely orchestrated *ágra* leads to Peter's radical decision to leave everything and follow Jesus, illustrating how God's manifest power can draw individuals to Himself and initiate a call to discipleship.
3. **Metaphor for Evangelism and Kingdom Harvest**: Perhaps the most enduring theological significance of *ágra* lies in its metaphorical extension. Jesus' declaration to Peter, "From now on you will be catching men" ([[Luke 5:10]]), transforms the literal act of fishing into a powerful analogy for the mission of the Church. The "draught of fish" becomes a prophetic foreshadowing of the "draught of souls" – the gathering of people into the Kingdom of God through the proclamation of the Gospel. This imagery underscores the Church's evangelistic mandate and the promise of a bountiful spiritual harvest.
4. **Obedience and Faith**: The miraculous *ágra* is a direct result of Peter's obedience to Jesus' word, despite his weariness and professional skepticism. This emphasizes the spiritual principle that obedience to Christ, even when it seems counterintuitive, leads to extraordinary divine blessing and breakthrough.
### Summary
The Greek word G61 (ἄγρα, *ágra*) signifies both the act of catching and the resulting haul, particularly of fish. Its two occurrences in [[Luke 5:4]] and [[Luke 5:9]] are pivotal, narrating the miraculous catch of fish that leads to Peter's call to discipleship. The *ágra* serves as a tangible demonstration of Jesus' divine power and abundant provision, compelling Peter to acknowledge his own unworthiness and to commit his life to Christ. Theologically, this literal "draught" becomes a foundational metaphor for the Church's mission of evangelism, symbolizing the "catching" of human souls for the Kingdom of God. Thus, *ágra* transcends its simple definition, embodying divine intervention, the call to radical obedience, and the glorious prospect of a spiritual harvest.
TRV