Matthew 13 47

Matthew 13:47 kjv

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

Matthew 13:47 nkjv

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,

Matthew 13:47 niv

"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.

Matthew 13:47 esv

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.

Matthew 13:47 nlt

"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind.

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 47 Meaning

The parable of the Dragnet illustrates that the kingdom of heaven, as it expands in the world, encompasses a diverse multitude of people. This gathering includes both those who genuinely belong and those who are merely associated, until the final judgment at the end of the age. It emphasizes the broad reach of the Gospel message and the gathering of all kinds, anticipating a future divine separation where true believers will be distinguished from those who only outwardly profess.

Matthew 13 47 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is a pivotal section within the Gospel, entirely dedicated to parables describing the "kingdom of heaven." These parables, delivered by Jesus to the crowds and then privately expounded to His disciples, explain the nature, growth, and destiny of God's rule during the "inter-advent" age – the period between Christ's first coming and His glorious second return. They address the disciples' and the Jewish audience's expectations of an immediate, purely external, triumphant messianic kingdom. The Dragnet parable, specifically, like the preceding Parable of the Weeds, highlights the present reality that the kingdom's visible manifestation in the world (the church) will include a mix of genuine believers and those who are merely outwardly associated. It patiently postpones the final, pure state of the kingdom until the future divine judgment, countering the desire for an immediate, purged community.

Matthew 13 47 Word analysis

• Again (Πάλιν - Palin): This adverb signifies a continuation of theme from the preceding parables. It signals a new but related illustration concerning the same subject—the kingdom of heaven—building upon earlier insights into its characteristics and operation.
• the kingdom of heaven (ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν - hē basileia tōn ouranōn): This distinctive phrase used by Matthew is synonymous with "kingdom of God" found in other Gospels. It denotes God's active, sovereign rule, which originates from heaven but is increasingly manifest and expanded on earth, and the sphere of blessing where His will is done.
• is like (ὁμοία ἐστίν - homoia estin): A standard phrase that introduces a parable, indicating a comparison or analogy. It communicates that the kingdom's characteristics or manner of operation are like the scenario described, rather than suggesting a literal equivalence.
• a net (σαγήνῃ - sagēnē): Refers specifically to a "dragnet" or "seine net." This is a large, often miles-long, weighted net deployed from boats to encompass and sweep vast sections of water, drawing in virtually everything in its path. Its indiscriminatory nature contrasts with smaller, targeted casting nets. It illustrates the broad and inclusive invitation of the gospel message.
• that was cast (βληθείσῃ - blētheisē, passive participle from βάλλω - ballō, to cast/throw): Signifies an active and intentional deployment. The kingdom is not passively existing; its influence, primarily through the preaching of the gospel, is actively extended into the world by God's agents.
• into the sea (εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν - eis tēn thalassan): In prophetic and biblical imagery, the "sea" often symbolizes the restless multitudes of humanity, particularly the Gentile nations or the world at large. This indicates the universal and boundless scope of the gospel mission, extending beyond any singular nation to encompass all peoples.
• and gathered (συναγαγούσῃ - synagagousē, from συνάγω - synagō, to gather together): Describes the result of casting the net—a comprehensive collection. This signifies the broad external ingathering into the visible community that professes belief in Christ (the visible church).
• some of every kind (ἐκ παντὸς γένους - ek pantos genous): This crucial phrase points to the indiscriminate nature of the catch. In a fishing context, it means all sorts of marine life, edible or not. In the parable, it signifies that the initial ingathering into the visible kingdom or church comprises a mix of true believers and false professors, genuinely repentant individuals and mere nominal adherents—a diversity requiring future divine discernment.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the kingdom of heaven is like a net": This immediately establishes the operational metaphor for understanding the kingdom. It is depicted as a powerful, sweeping force designed to bring in a large collection.
• "cast into the sea and gathered": This highlights the active and expansive nature of the kingdom's influence. It demonstrates a purposeful outreach into the world, with the intention of drawing in people, rather than remaining isolated or static.
• "gathered some of every kind": This phrase is pivotal for the parable's main teaching. It underscores the present reality of a mixed company within the kingdom's visible expression. The lack of immediate discernment signifies that not all who respond to the broad invitation are true spiritual "fish," thereby setting the stage for the necessary future separation.

Matthew 13 47 Bonus section

• This parable provides a strong theological argument against the pursuit of a perfectly pure church in this present age through human efforts. Such purity is a work reserved for divine judgment at the end of the age.
• Like the Parable of the Weeds, it contributes to the "already-not yet" tension of the kingdom. The kingdom is "already" present and actively gathering, but "not yet" fully purified and consummated.
• The "sea" as a symbol for the world or Gentile nations highlights the universal reach of the gospel message, intended for all peoples and not limited to a specific ethno-religious group.
• The specific type of net, the dragnet, underscores the immense scale and comprehensiveness of the kingdom's work, drawing in a vast and diverse harvest. It emphasizes the collective nature of the church's ingathering.

Matthew 13 47 Commentary

The parable of the Dragnet, serving as a climactic revelation in Matthew 13, succinctly encapsulates a crucial truth about the kingdom of heaven: its visible manifestation in this present age is, and will remain, imperfect and mixed until the ultimate judgment. Like a vast fishing net (sagēnē) deployed across the wide "sea" of humanity, the gospel extends a comprehensive invitation, gathering all types into the sphere of Christian influence and the visible church. This initial collection, "of every kind," includes both genuine followers of Christ and those who are merely outwardly associated, potentially professing faith without true inner transformation. This reality implies that perfect purity within the church on earth is an eschatological hope, not a present-day reality to be fully achieved by human effort. Instead, God patiently allows this coexistence until the end of the age (as detailed in Matt 13:49-50), at which point divine agents will meticulously separate the righteous from the wicked. The parable thus provides a warning against premature judgment, a call to patience, and an affirmation of God's perfect justice in the ultimate divine reckoning.

• Examples:
  • A large Sunday service where individuals attend from various motives—some for sincere worship, others for social connection, and still others perhaps out of obligation or curiosity.
  • A youth group comprised of teens genuinely seeking Christ, alongside others who participate primarily for peer activities.
  • Missionary efforts that lead to both profound conversions and superficial responses in new communities.