ἀμφιβάλλω (amphiballō)
amphiballō
to cast
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb amphiballō describes the physical act of casting a net, specifically one designed to encircle fish. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Mark 1:16, where Jesus calls Simon and Andrew while they are engaged in this work. The image is concrete: fishermen throwing a cast-net over the water to trap their catch.
Lexical sources distinguish this word from other fishing terms by its specific method. While sagēnē refers to a large drag-net pulled along the bottom, amphiballō involves throwing a net around a school of fish. The prefix amph- suggests "around," highlighting the encircling motion that defines this particular type of fishing gear.
This single usage grounds the metaphor of discipleship in tangible labor. Jesus does not use an abstract concept but a familiar trade skill to illustrate how he will gather people. The word reminds readers that the call to follow involves active participation, mirroring the decisive action of casting the net into deep water.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amphiballō describes the specific action of throwing a cast-net to encircle fish. In Mark 1:16, we see Simon and Andrew performing this task before Jesus calls them. The prefix 'amph-' means around, capturing the motion of surrounding a school of fish with a net thrown from above.
This concrete image grounds the call to discipleship in real work. Jesus does not speak in abstract terms but uses a familiar trade skill. He shows that following Him involves active participation and decisive action, much like casting a net into deep water to gather a catch.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- net-casting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμφιβάλλοντας1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:16
Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
This verse captures the physical act of throwing a cast-net, illustrating the decisive action required in responding to Jesus' call.