Topical Encyclopedia A fish-hook is a tool used for catching fish, typically consisting of a sharp, curved piece of metal designed to impale and secure a fish when it bites bait attached to the hook. In biblical times, fishing was a common occupation, especially among the people living near the Sea of Galilee and other bodies of water. The fish-hook, therefore, holds both practical and symbolic significance in the Bible.Biblical References: 1. Job 41:1-2 : "Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?" In this passage, God challenges Job, using the imagery of a fish-hook to illustrate the futility of human efforts to control the mighty Leviathan, a creature symbolizing chaos and power. The rhetorical questions emphasize God's sovereignty and the limitations of human strength. 2. Amos 4:2 : "The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness: 'Indeed, the days are coming when you will be taken away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.'" Here, the prophet Amos delivers a message of impending judgment upon the people of Israel. The imagery of being taken away with fish-hooks conveys the idea of captivity and humiliation, as the people are led away like fish caught and dragged from their habitat. 3. Matthew 17:27 : "But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours." In this account, Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish with a hook to find a coin in its mouth, which will be used to pay the temple tax. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and provision, as well as His respect for earthly obligations. Symbolism and Themes: · Divine Authority and Human Limitation: The use of the fish-hook in Job underscores the theme of God's ultimate power over creation. Humans, despite their ingenuity, cannot control the forces of nature or the divine will, as symbolized by the inability to capture Leviathan with a hook. · Judgment and Captivity: In Amos, the fish-hook serves as a metaphor for the judgment that awaits those who turn away from God. The imagery of being caught and led away highlights the consequences of disobedience and the inescapable nature of divine justice. · Provision and Obedience: The account in Matthew illustrates God's provision for His people, even in mundane matters like paying taxes. The fish-hook becomes a tool through which Jesus demonstrates His care and the importance of obedience to both divine and earthly authorities. Cultural and Historical Context: Fishing was a vital part of life in ancient Israel, particularly in regions like Galilee. Fish-hooks were typically made of bronze or iron and varied in size and shape depending on the type of fish being targeted. The practice of fishing, whether with nets or hooks, was not only a means of sustenance but also a metaphor for spiritual truths, as seen in Jesus' call to His disciples to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). In summary, the fish-hook in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing themes of divine authority, judgment, provision, and the call to discipleship. Its presence in Scripture reflects the everyday life of the people and the deeper spiritual lessons conveyed through their experiences. Greek 44. agkistron -- a fishhook ... Phonetic Spelling: (ang'-kis-tron) Short Definition: a fish-hook Definition: a fish-hook. Word Origin from the same as agkale Definition a fishhook NASB Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/44.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2443. chakkah -- a hook, fishhook... 2442, 2443. chakkah. 2444 . a hook, fishhook. Transliteration: chakkah Phonetic Spelling: (khak-kaw') Short Definition: fishhook. ... /hebrew/2443.htm - 6k 1729. dugah -- fishing, fishery 5518. ciyr -- a pot Thesaurus Fishhook (1 Occurrence)...fish'-hook (cir dughah, chakkah): The word "fishhooks" occurs but twice in the ... in Amos 4:2. In Matthew 17:27, agkistron (literally, "fishhook"), is rendered ... /f/fishhook.htm - 7k Fish-hook (2 Occurrences) Hook (10 Occurrences) Angle (19 Occurrences) Leviathan (5 Occurrences) Levi'athan (2 Occurrences) Fishhooks (1 Occurrence) Fishing (4 Occurrences) Fish-gate (3 Occurrences) Tie (18 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about overcoming lust? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Christian fish symbol mean (ixthus / icthus)? | GotQuestions.org Did Jonah die while he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fish-hook (2 Occurrences)Job 41:1 Isaiah 19:8 Subtopics Related Terms |