δίκτυον (diktuon)
diktuon
net
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diktuon refers simply to a fishing net, serving as the general term for this essential tool in the ancient Mediterranean world. It appears in the Gospels whenever Jesus’ disciples are depicted working on the Sea of Galilee, grounding his teachings in the daily reality of their trade. The word captures the physical object itself rather than the abstract concept of being caught.
Its usage highlights the sudden shift from labor to ministry. In Matthew 4:20 and Mark 1:18, the disciples leave their nets behind immediately upon hearing Jesus’ call. Later, in John 21, a large net full of fish is described, illustrating the abundance of the catch after the resurrection. This concrete imagery helps readers visualize the weight and value of what was left or retrieved.
Lexical sources note that diktuon is distinct from other Greek words for nets, such as amphiblestron or sagene, which might imply specific types or sizes. By using this common term, the Gospel writers emphasize the ordinary nature of the fishermen’s lives before they became followers of Christ. The net represents both their livelihood and the instrument of their new mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diktuon simply means a fishing net, the everyday tool that sustained Peter, Andrew, James, and John before they met Jesus. In the ancient Mediterranean world, this was not just equipment; it was their livelihood, their identity, and their security. When the Gospels mention these nets, they ground spiritual truths in the tangible reality of hard work and daily dependence.
Jesus used this familiar image to call ordinary men into extraordinary service. Leaving their nets behind in Matthew 4 was an act of radical trust. Later, in John 21, the unbroken net full of fish showed that God’s provision can sustain even after failure. The net reminds us that our old ways of striving are replaced by His abundant grace.
For your faith, this word invites you to see how God uses ordinary moments and tools for His purposes. You do not need special status to be called; you only need willingness to respond. Whether you are starting fresh or returning after a long absence, the same Lord who blessed the catch still offers rest and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nets5×
- net3×
- nets.2×
- nets,1×
- net.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δίκτυα5×
- δίκτυον3×
- δίκτυα.2×
- δίκτυον.¶1×
- δίκτυα,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:20
They immediately left their nets and followed him.
This verse captures the immediate obedience of leaving their livelihood behind to follow Jesus.
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Luke 5:6
When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.
Here the net breaking illustrates the overwhelming abundance of God's provision when we obey His word.
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John 21:11
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of one hundred fifty-three great fish. Even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn.
The intact net, despite its massive catch, symbolizes the strength and preservation found in Christ after resurrection.