Fishing holds a unique place in the Bible, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual calling. These Bible verses about fishing (KJV) give us valuable lessons from the sea. Jesus used fishing as a metaphor to teach His followers valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and the kingdom of God. The stories of the sons of Zebedee and Simon Peter remind us of how God can turn simple fishermen into powerful disciples, “fishers of men.” Through their stories, we glimpse the deeper spiritual meaning of fishing in the Bible. I love how there is always something more to what the Lord is sharing with us. I know it seems simple, but it is also mind-altering at the same time.
Fishing also holds a special place in our hearts around here. You will find my husband and dad out by the pond on the regular. There is something about the water that is peaceful and calming. I can remember going fishing with my dad as a little girl. One of the times my hair caught up in the reel. What a mess! Not everybody gets fishing. It is about being still, quiet, wishful, and calm. In Genesis, God talks about creating each living thing. He created the waters and the fish of the great sea.
Here are some key KJV Bible verses about fishing that highlight themes of faith, obedience, and discipleship: King James Bible
Bible Verses about Fishing (KJV): New Testament
1. Matthew 4:19: Jesus was walking by the sea and called for two men to follow him. He was talking to Simon and to the brother of Simon, Andrew.
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
2. Luke 5:4-6: This passage is often referred to as the “draught of the fishes”.
“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.”
3. John 21:5-6
“Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”
4. Matthew 13:47: New Testaments’ Guidance
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered fish of every kind.”
5. John 21:11
“Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.”
6: John 21:3
“Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”
Bible Verses About Fishing (KJV): Old Testament
7. Ezekiel 47:9
“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.”
8. Genesis 1:20
“And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.”
9. Psalm 8:8
“The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.”
These verses reflect the power of faith and the abundance that comes through God’s blessing. They remind us of the calling to reach others. Fishing is used as a metaphor for discipleship and the work of God’s kingdom.
Casting the Nets: Obedience and Faith
One of the most well-known Bible verses about fishing appears in Luke 5:4-6. This is where Jesus instructs Simon Peter to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Despite fishing all night without success, Peter obeys, saying, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” This act of obedience results in a miracle. As they catch a “great multitude of fishes,” their net begins to break. Here, fishing becomes a symbol of faith and trust in the word of God. It is a reminder to believers to rely on Him, even when circumstances seem bleak. After this, when Simon Peter saw the amount of fish, he fell down at Jesus’ knees and said, “Depart from me; I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
“Fishers of Men” – The Call to Discipleship
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Simon Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This invitation marks the beginning of their discipleship. Jesus calls these ordinary fishermen not just to catch fish but to “catch men” for the kingdom of heaven. Through fishing, Jesus offers a new purpose, showing that anyone, regardless of their past, can serve the kingdom of God. The metaphor of “fishing for men” (catching men) encourages believers to share the gospel and bring others into the fold of God’s love.
Fishing Miracles in the Sea of Galilee (aka The Lake of Gennesaret)
The Sea of Galilee provides the setting for several of Jesus’s fishing miracles. In John 21:6, after His resurrection, Jesus stands on the shore and instructs His disciples to cast their net on the “right side of the ship.” When they do, they catch a “large number of fish,” highlighting the importance of following Jesus’s guidance. The catch is so significant that the disciples can scarcely pull it into the boat. This scene reminds us that success comes from obedience to God’s direction. Even the sons of Zebedee, James and John, witness this miracle, further solidifying their faith in Jesus’s power. When they got back to land, they saw a fire of coals. Fish and bread were cooking on the fire. I bet they were starving since they had been fishing all night. Jesus invites them to bring some of the fish they caught and shares a meal with them that was made on the fire of coals.
Simon Peter and the Humble Fisherman’s Faith
After witnessing the miraculous catch, Simon Peter falls to his knees before Jesus, saying, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8). His humility reflects the awe we should feel in the presence of God. Peter’s words remind believers of their unworthiness yet also of God’s grace. Jesus chooses humble, sinful men to carry out His work, transforming them into leaders in His kingdom. The story of Peter and the great catch emphasizes the importance of humility in our relationship with God.
The Right Side of the Boat: Trusting in Divine Instruction
In John 21:6, Jesus’s instruction to cast the net on the “right side of the boat” teaches us about the importance of trust. This directive leads to a miraculous catch of fish, reinforcing the power of following divine guidance. The disciples’ willingness to follow Jesus’s words—despite their exhaustion and previous lack of success—results in an abundance they could not achieve on their own. The lesson here is clear: when we listen to God’s voice and act in obedience, we find blessings beyond our expectations.
The Symbol of the Net and the Catching of Men
The image of the net appears multiple times in these stories, representing the gathering of people into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus likens the kingdom to a fisherman’s net in Matthew 13:47, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.” The parable emphasizes that God’s kingdom is open to all who choose to follow Him. Just as fishermen gather a variety of fish, God’s call extends to people from every walk of life. The net brings together believers, just as disciples are called to “catch men” and invite them into the fellowship of faith.
The Miraculous Catch and the “Great Multitude of Fishes”
In each miraculous fishing story, the catch is described as a “great multitude of fishes” (Luke 5:6). This phrase illustrates the abundance that God provides when we follow His commands. These “great fishes” not only meet the physical needs of the fishermen but also serve as a sign of God’s power and generosity. The sheer number of fish symbolizes the potential for growth in the kingdom of God. God’s blessings overflow, much like the nets filled to bursting, reminding believers of His ability to provide abundantly for those who serve Him. Luke 5:10 goes on to say, “And Jesus said unto Simon, Feat not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” In this passage, Jesus speaks to Simon Peter after a miraculous catch of fish, telling him that he will now “catch men,” meaning he will be a fisher of people, bringing others to faith.
“Living Creatures” and “Fish of the Sea”: Creation’s Connection to the Divine
The Bible frequently uses fish as a symbol of life and creation. Genesis 1:20 speaks of the “living creature that hath life,” and “fish of the sea” is a phrase used to describe God’s provision. By including fish in His miracles, Jesus reinforces the idea that all living things belong to God. Fish, as “living creatures,” represent the beauty of God’s creation and remind believers that He sustains life. These miracles, occurring in nature, reaffirm that God’s power extends over all creation, from the sea’s depths to the smallest creature.
Obeying the Word of God and Casting Our Nets
Throughout these stories, the theme of obedience to God’s word is central. In Luke 5, Peter’s willingness to “let down the net” at Jesus’s command leads to a miraculous catch. This obedience illustrates that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. Peter and the other disciples could not catch fish by their own efforts, but when they followed Jesus’s instructions, they succeeded. Similarly, believers today are called to trust in the “word of God,” casting their nets with faith that God will provide.
“Little Ship” and the Power of Faith
In Mark 4:36, the disciples follow Jesus into a “little ship” on the Sea of Galilee, where they encounter a powerful storm. Although not directly about fishing, this story reinforces the theme of faith on the deep water. The disciples’ faith wavers, but Jesus calms the sea with a single command, reminding them that His power transcends all earthly obstacles. This story, coupled with the fishing miracles, shows how Jesus uses simple elements of nature to reveal profound truths about faith and dependence on God.
Lessons from the Large Fish and Great Fishes
The mention of “large fish” and “great fishes” in these passages adds a layer of symbolism to the story. In John 21:11, the disciples catch 153 “great fishes,” a detail that has intrigued scholars and believers alike. This large catch symbolizes the vast potential within God’s kingdom and the promise of abundance for those who labor in His name. Just as the disciples caught an unexpected bounty, believers are assured that their efforts to follow Jesus will bear fruit. The “great fishes” represent God’s generosity and the rewards of living in faithful obedience.
Fishing as a Reflection of the Kingdom of God
Fishing in the Bible reveals much about the nature of God’s kingdom. Jesus chooses fishermen like Simon Peter and the sons of Zebedee not only for their skills but for the humility and perseverance their work requires. Just as fishermen patiently cast their nets, believers are called to patiently share the gospel. It is about trusting that God will draw people to Himself. The parables and miracles associated with fishing illustrate the inclusivity and abundance of God’s kingdom. Even the least likely individuals are welcome and cherished. Bible verses about fishing (KJV) give us unexpected guidance and direction.
Final Thoughts: Following Jesus Into Deep Waters
Bible verses about fishing (KJV) reflect powerful themes of faith, obedience, humility, and abundance. Jesus’s call to be “fishers of men” challenges believers to look beyond worldly pursuits and seek a higher purpose. The stories of Simon Peter, the sons of Zebedee, and the miraculous catches remind us that true success lies in following Jesus’s guidance. We find that there is also a central theme about God’s timing found throughout scripture. When we listen to His voice, casting our nets in deep waters or the “right side of the boat,” we find blessings that exceed our expectations. Just as Jesus filled the disciples’ nets with a “great multitude of fishes,” He fills our lives with meaning, purpose, and the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God.
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