Bible Dictionary
Net
Nets were used in biblical times for fishing, hunting, and catching birds. Fishing nets included large dragnets, casting nets, and bag nets, while snares and traps were used for birds.
Definition
A net was a device used for fishing, hunting, and catching birds. Fishing nets included large drag nets, casting nets, and bag nets; fowling nets included traps, snares, and decoys.
Biblical Usage
Fishing nets illustrate gathering and capture, while snares and nets for birds represent entrapment. Scripture also uses nets in descriptions of fishing and of dangers that suddenly overtake people.
Historical Background
The drag net required many workers, the casting net was thrown from a rock or boat, and the bag net enclosed fish in deep water. Hunting nets were also commonly used among the Hebrews.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In use among the Hebrews for fishing, hunting, and fowling. The fishing-net was probably constructed after the form of that used by the Egyptians (Isa. 19:8). There were three kinds of nets. (1.) The drag-net or hauling-net (Gr. sagene), of great size, and requiring many men to work it. It was usually let down from the fishing-boat, and then drawn to the shore or into the boat, as circumstances might require (Matt. 13:47, 48). (2.) The hand-net or casting-net (Gr. amphiblestron), which was thrown from a rock or a boat at any fish that might be seen (Matt. 4:18; Mark 1:16). It was called by the Latins funda. It was of circular form, “like the top of a tent.” (3.) The bag-net (Gr. diktyon), used for enclosing fish in deep water (Luke 5:4-9). The fowling-nets were (1) the trap, consisting of a net spread over a frame, and supported by a stick in such a way that it fell with the slightest touch (Amos 3:5, “gin;” Ps. 69:22; Job 18:9; Eccl. 9:12). (2) The snare, consisting of a cord to catch birds by the leg (Job 18:10; Ps. 18:5; 116:3; 140:5). (3.) The decoy, a cage filled with birds as decoys (Jer. 5:26, 27). Hunting-nets were much in use among the Hebrews.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[See FISHING]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>See FISHING; FOWLER.</p>