And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

LUKE 5:6KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 5:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:6 mean?

Luke 5:6 describes how, after following Jesus’ instructions, Simon Peter and his companions caught so many fish that their net began to break. This verse highlights the overwhelming success of their catch, which was far beyond what they could have achieved on their own.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Simon Peter and other fishermen by the Sea of Galilee. They had worked all night without catching anything, but when they obeyed Jesus’ command to let down their nets, they caught an extraordinary number of fish. The verse sets up a moment of awe and surprise, showing the impact of trusting Jesus’ word.

The Greek behind Luke 5:6

  • The word for “inclosed” is συνέκλεισαν (synekleisan), which means to enclose or shut in together. This emphasizes that the fish were gathered in such a way that escape was impossible, showing the completeness of the catch.
  • The word for “brake” is διερρήγνυτο (dierrēgnyto), meaning to tear or break apart. The Greek here carries the sense of the net being stretched to its limits, highlighting just how abundant the catch was—so much so that their equipment could hardly contain it.

Why Luke 5:6 matters

  • Luke 5:6 clears up the idea that this was an ordinary fishing trip; the verse stresses the miraculous nature of the catch, which was only possible because they listened to Jesus.
  • The verse connects directly to the following verses, where the amazement of the fishermen leads to a deeper encounter with Jesus and a call to follow him.
  • The detail about the net breaking shows not just abundance, but also the unexpected and overwhelming results of obedience, setting the stage for the disciples’ growing understanding of who Jesus is.

Where else these words appear

“inclosed” Greek G4788 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
  • Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
  • Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

“brake” Greek G1284 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
  • Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
  • Luke 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

“net” Greek G1350 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
  • Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

“fishes” Greek G2486 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?