ἁλιεύω (halieuō)
halieuō
to fish
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb halieuō simply means to fish. It appears only once in the New Testament, in John 21:3, where Simon Peter declares his intention to go fishing after the resurrection. This single usage captures the word’s straightforward sense of the physical act of catching fish.
Its root connects directly to halieus, the noun for a fisherman. While Jesus had previously used the image of fishermen to describe discipleship in Matthew 4:19, calling people to "fish for men," this instance in John is literal. Peter returns to his former trade, highlighting a moment of normalcy and perhaps uncertainty before his restoration.
Translators render it simply as "fish" or "go fishing." The word carries no metaphorical weight in this specific verse; it describes the mundane activity of casting nets into the sea. Its rarity in Scripture makes this solitary appearance stand out, marking a quiet return to daily life before Jesus’ final commission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word halieuō simply means to fish. In John 21:3, Peter says, “I’m going fishing.” This is a rare moment where Jesus uses a literal job description instead of a spiritual metaphor. It shows us that returning to daily routines can be part of God’s plan, even after big moments of faith.
When life feels uncertain, stepping back into familiar tasks can bring comfort. Peter’s choice to fish again does not mean he lost his calling. Instead, it marks a quiet time before Jesus restores him fully. We learn that ordinary work is never far from God’s presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to fish.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁλιεύειν.1×
Key Verses
-
John 21:3
Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.
This verse captures Peter's literal return to his former trade, showing a moment of normalcy before his spiritual restoration.