Overview
The Bible addresses fishermen across 6 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Matthew and John. Closely related themes include Peter, Apostles, Net and Devotedness to God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Andrew, Peter, James and Thomas.
Key Bible verses about fishermen
New Testament
Matthew
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
John
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
People in the Bible and fishermen
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying fishermen for yourself
- Begin with Matthew 4:18, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew and John each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Andrew, Peter and James and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Peter, Apostles, Net and Devotedness to God.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about fishermen?
The Bible addresses fishermen across 6 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Matthew and John. Closely related themes include Peter, Apostles, Net and Devotedness to God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Andrew, Peter, James and Thomas.
How many Bible verses are about fishermen?
The Bible references fishermen in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention fishermen?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Matthew 4:18: “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with fishermen?
Andrew, Peter, James, Thomas and Bartholomew.
Preach & teach
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