ἄγκιστρον (agkistron)
agkistron
fishhook
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agkistron refers simply to a fishhook, derived from a root meaning "bend" or "curve." In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 17:27, where Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish to pay the temple tax. This singular usage grounds the word in a very specific, practical moment of everyday life rather than abstract theology.
The image is striking because it highlights God’s provision through ordinary means. Instead of performing a dramatic miracle with coins appearing out of nowhere, Jesus directs attention to a mundane object found on a lake shore. The bent metal of the hook becomes the instrument for fulfilling a religious obligation, showing how the divine can work through simple, physical details.
Translators consistently render this word as "fishhook" or "hook," preserving its concrete nature. There is no hidden spiritual metaphor attached to the term in this context; it serves as a tangible reminder that God’s care extends to small, routine matters, using common tools to achieve His purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agkistron simply means fishhook. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 17:27. Jesus tells Peter to cast a hook into the sea to catch a fish containing a coin for the temple tax. This moment shows that God cares about everyday details. He uses ordinary objects to meet spiritual needs.
You might wonder if faith requires grand miracles. This story suggests otherwise. God often works through simple, practical means. The bent metal of the hook becomes an instrument of provision. It reminds us that nothing in your life is too small for His attention. Even routine tasks can carry divine purpose.
When you face daily responsibilities, remember this truth. You do not need to force extraordinary outcomes. Trust that God provides through the ordinary flow of life. Your faithful participation in small things matters deeply to Him. He meets you where you are, using what is at hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a hook1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄγκιστρον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 17:27
But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
This verse uses the word to describe the specific tool Jesus instructs Peter to use, grounding the miracle of provision in a mundane, physical object rather than a supernatural display.