Matthew 13:47
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 17
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 17
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
βληθείσῃ
that was cast
G906
βληθείσῃ
that was cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
9 of 17
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
John 15:6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.Revelation 3:1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.Mark 1:17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.Matthew 4:19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.Acts 20:30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.2 Corinthians 11:26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;Luke 5:10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Historical Context
Mediterranean fishing commonly used drag-nets pulled between two boats or to shore, catching everything in between. The catch was sorted afterward—edible fish kept, inedible discarded. This parallels final judgment separating true and false professors.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this parable warn against false assurance of salvation?
- What does this parable teach about the nature and timing of God's judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The parable 'The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind' teaches the mixed nature of kingdom response and final judgment. The net indiscriminately gathers good and bad fish; likewise, the gospel call goes to all, but not all respond genuinely. Separation comes when the net is full (end of age)—angels will 'sever the wicked from among the just.' This warns against presuming that everyone in visible kingdom community is truly redeemed.