Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

MATTHEW 13:47KJV
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Matthew 13:47 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:47 mean?

Matthew 13:47 describes Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to a fishing net that is thrown into the sea and gathers fish of every kind. The verse uses this picture to show that the kingdom of heaven brings in all sorts of people, without sorting them at first.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a familiar scene from daily life to explain a spiritual truth. The image of a net catching every kind of fish would have been easy for his listeners to picture, especially in a fishing region like Galilee. This sets up a lesson about the wide reach of God’s kingdom and prepares for the explanation that follows in the next verses.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:47

  • "net" (σαγήνη, sagēnē): This word refers to a large dragnet, a specific kind of fishing net that sweeps up everything in its path. The choice of this word emphasizes the broad, inclusive nature of the kingdom’s reach.
  • "gathered" (συνάγω, synagō): This verb means to bring together or collect. It highlights the idea that the net does not discriminate but gathers all kinds, pointing to the diversity within the kingdom.
  • "every kind" (παντός γένους, pantos genous): This phrase means all sorts or every category, stressing that the net collects without distinction—every type is included.

Why Matthew 13:47 matters

  • Matthew 13:47 helps clear up the idea that the kingdom of heaven is exclusive or selective from the start; instead, it shows that everyone is brought in together at first.
  • The verse connects to the other parables in Matthew 13, where Jesus often uses everyday images to reveal deeper truths about God’s work in the world.
  • Understanding the broad sweep of the net helps make sense of the sorting that comes in the following verses, where the focus shifts from gathering to separating.

Where else these words appear

“kind” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

“gathered” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“sea” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;