Topical Bible: Food: Articles of Fish

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Fish hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, both as a staple of the diet in ancient Israel and as a symbol in various teachings and miracles. The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias, was a central location for fishing activities, and many of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen by trade (Matthew 4:18-22).

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, fish are mentioned in the context of dietary laws and as part of the natural bounty provided by God. Leviticus 11:9-12 outlines the dietary laws concerning aquatic creatures: "Of all that live in the water, you may eat anything that has fins and scales" . This law distinguished clean fish, which were permissible to eat, from unclean aquatic creatures, which were forbidden.

The abundance of fish is also highlighted in the blessings of the Promised Land. In Ezekiel 47:9-10, the prophet describes a vision of a river flowing from the temple, bringing life and abundance: "Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live" .

New Testament References

Fish play a prominent role in the New Testament, particularly in the ministry of Jesus. One of the most well-known miracles involving fish is the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd (Matthew 14:17-21, Mark 6:38-44, Luke 9:13-17, John 6:9-13). This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power but also serves as a foreshadowing of the spiritual nourishment He provides.

Another significant event is the miraculous catch of fish, which occurs twice in the Gospels. In Luke 5:4-7, Jesus instructs Peter to let down his nets for a catch, resulting in a haul so large that the nets begin to break. After His resurrection, Jesus performs a similar miracle, leading to the recognition of His presence by the disciples (John 21:6-11).

Fish also appear in Jesus' teachings and parables. In Matthew 13:47-50, the kingdom of heaven is likened to a net that catches all kinds of fish, symbolizing the final judgment when the righteous will be separated from the wicked.

Symbolism and Early Christian Use

Fish became an important symbol for early Christians, often used as a secret sign of faith during times of persecution. The Greek word for fish, "ichthys," was used as an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." This symbol, often depicted as a simple fish outline, served as a discreet identifier among believers.

In summary, fish in the Bible are not only a practical source of sustenance but also carry rich symbolic meaning, reflecting themes of provision, abundance, and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 7:10
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 24:42
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... various articles of food, whether native or imported, would occupy a much larger
space. Suffice it that, as regarded the various kinds of grain, meat, fish, ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Whether it is Fitting that those who Fast Should be Bidden to ...
... OF FASTING (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it is fitting that ... does not exclude the eating
of fish, neither should ... pleasures of touch in connection with food and sex. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting that 2.htm

On Eating.
... after the resurrection; and they, as taught by Him to practice frugality, "gave
Him a piece of broiled fish;" and having ... For of articles of food, those are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap i on eating.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... as precious as gold; articles of food and drink ... Articles of luxury, especially from
abroad, fetched indeed ... its manufactures, but its provisions: fish (fresh or ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615.
... not only the common belief of the articles of Christian ... of meat, drink, and all natural
food, with other ... order of our State, for eating of fish and forbearing ...
/.../the irish articles of religion.htm

How to Pray
... of His child being heard and met. Bread, eggs, and fish are staple articles
of food. In each case something similar in appearance ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/how to pray.htm

Commerce
... Fish from Spain, apples from Crete, cheese from Bithynia ... bedding, the ploughshare,
and all articles required for the preparation of food were excepted. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... CAUSES OF THE CEREMONIAL PRECEPTS (SIX ARTICLES) Whether there ... mentioned uncleanness,
no kind of food is unclean ... In like manner certain fish lacking fins and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the First Disciples, and ...
... And as fish was among the favourite articles of diet ... and actually freighted ships
for the transport of fish. ... taken nothing which they could give them as food. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii by the sea.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... And let our seals be either a dove, or a fish, or a ship scudding before the wind ...
But temperance in drinks, and moderation in articles of food, are effectual ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm