ἄγρα (agra)
agra
catch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agrā refers to the act of hunting or catching, and by extension, the prey or catch itself. Derived from a root meaning "to lead," it captures the idea of something drawn in or secured through pursuit. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the Gospel of Luke.
Its usage is concrete and situational. In Luke 5:4, Jesus instructs Simon to launch out into the deep for a catch (agra) of fish. The term describes the active effort of fishing, while in verse 9, it denotes the result: the massive haul that fills the boats. Translators typically render agrā as "catch" or "haul," preserving the literal sense of aquatic bounty without adding spiritual metaphor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agra simply means a catch or haul. In Luke’s Gospel, it describes the physical act of fishing and the resulting abundance of fish. This concrete imagery helps us understand how God can bring unexpected provision into our lives.
When Jesus told Simon to let down his nets, He was inviting him into a moment of trust. The massive catch that followed showed that obedience often leads to blessings beyond what we can imagine. It reminds us that God cares about the details of our daily work and needs.
We can take comfort in this image. Just as the fishermen relied on Jesus’ word for their success, we can rely on His guidance in our own seasons of labor. He knows where the deep waters are and how to bring good things from them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- catch1×
- a catch.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄγρᾳ1×
- ἄγραν.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:4
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
This verse shows Jesus using a common work task as an opportunity to speak directly to Simon, initiating a personal encounter.
-
Luke 5:9
For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught;
Here the word highlights the overwhelming result of obedience, causing amazement among all who witnessed the miracle.