Fish-spears, also known as harpoons or spears used for fishing, are tools designed for catching fish by impaling them. While the Bible does not provide extensive details on the specific use of fish-spears, the practice of fishing is well-documented, and the use of spears can be inferred from the broader context of ancient fishing methods.

Biblical Context

Fishing was a common occupation in biblical times, particularly in regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Bible frequently references fishing, fishermen, and the tools associated with this trade. Although nets are more commonly mentioned, the use of spears for fishing is consistent with the practices of ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Cultural and Historical Background

In ancient times, fishing was a vital source of food and livelihood. Fish-spears were likely used alongside nets and lines, especially in shallow waters or when targeting specific types of fish. The design of these spears would have varied, but typically they featured a long shaft with a pointed end, sometimes barbed, to effectively catch and hold the fish.

Scriptural References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention fish-spears, the broader context of fishing can be seen in several passages. For example, in the calling of the first disciples, Jesus encounters fishermen by the Sea of Galilee:

> "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen." (Matthew 4:18)

This passage highlights the centrality of fishing in the lives of some of Jesus' earliest followers. Although nets are specifically mentioned, the use of spears would have been a complementary method in their fishing activities.

Symbolic Significance

Fishing, including the tools used for it, carries symbolic meaning in the Bible. Jesus' call to His disciples to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) transforms the act of fishing into a metaphor for evangelism and the gathering of believers. The tools of the trade, including fish-spears, symbolize the effort and skill required in this spiritual endeavor.

Conclusion

Fish-spears, while not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, are an integral part of the historical and cultural backdrop of fishing in biblical times. They represent the practical means by which ancient fishermen sustained their communities and provide a deeper understanding of the metaphorical language used by Jesus in His teachings.

On Baptism.
... [617] Job 40:26, in the Sept. in place of xli. 7: Canst thou fill his skin with
barbed irons, or his head with fish spears? (AV and RV). [618] Job 41:13, Sept. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iii on baptism.htm

Fish-spears (1 Occurrence)
Fish-spears. Fish's, Fish-spears. Fish-stump . Multi-Version
Concordance Fish-spears (1 Occurrence). Job 41:7 Canst ...
/f/fish-spears.htm - 6k

Irons (5 Occurrences)
... quiet. (See NIV). Job 41:7 Can you fill his skin with barbed irons, or his
head with fishspears? (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT). Psalms ...
/i/irons.htm - 7k

Fish-stump (1 Occurrence)
Fish-stump. Fish-spears, Fish-stump. Fishy . Multi-Version Concordance
Fish-stump (1 Occurrence). ... (DBY). Fish-spears, Fish-stump. Fishy . Reference
/f/fish-stump.htm - 6k

Fish's (1 Occurrence)

/f/fish's.htm - 6k

Darts (5 Occurrences)
... shields in abundance. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). Job 41:7 Wilt thou fill his skin
with darts, and his head with fish-spears? (DBY). Job 41 ...
/d/darts.htm - 7k

Barbed (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Barbed (1 Occurrence). Job 41:7 Can you fill his skin
with barbed irons, or his head with fishspears? (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/b/barbed.htm - 7k

Spears (25 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 41:7 Can you fill his
skin with barbed irons, or his head with fishspears? (WEB ...
/s/spears.htm - 14k

Sharp-pointed (5 Occurrences)
... And you may do the same for your servant-girl. (BBE). Job 41:7 Will you put
sharp-pointed irons into his skin, or fish-spears into his head? (BBE). ...
/s/sharp-pointed.htm - 7k

Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV). Job 41:7 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed
irons? or his head with fish-spears? (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/fishing.htm - 13k

Canst (62 Occurrences)
... or bore his jaw through with a thorn? (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Job 41:7 Canst thou fill
his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fishspears? (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/c/canst.htm - 24k

What does the Christian fish symbol mean (ixthus / icthus)? | GotQuestions.org

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