ἄγρα – Pronunciation Guide: ah’-grah (emphasis on first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G61: A hunting or catching; specifically referring to the act of taking or catching prey, whether in hunting or fishing. In biblical usage, it particularly denotes a catch of fish and is metaphorically applied to the spiritual work of catching souls for God’s Kingdom.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root Origin: From ἄγω (ago, G71) meaning “to lead, bring, carry”

Morphology:

• ἄγρα (agra) – nominative singular: a catch, hunting
• ἄγρας (agras) – genitive singular: of a catch
• ἄγραν (agran) – accusative singular: the catch

Word Origin & History

The term ἄγρα has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in contexts of hunting and fishing. In works like Homer’s Odyssey, it appears in descriptions of both terrestrial hunting and maritime fishing expeditions. The word carried connotations of skill, patience, and strategic pursuit of prey.

This word family was particularly significant in ancient Greek culture, where hunting and fishing were not merely occupational activities but were often viewed as tests of character and skill. The term was also associated with various Greek deities, particularly Artemis Agrotera, the goddess of hunting.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄγρα appears exclusively in Luke’s writings, specifically in contexts related to fishing. The word takes on profound spiritual significance, especially in the accounts of miraculous catches of fish that serve as object lessons for discipleship and ministry.

Key Passages:

• Luke 5:4 – Jesus directs Simon Peter to let down his nets for a catch (ἄγραν)
• Luke 5:9 – Astonishment at the catch (ἄγρᾳ) of fish

Cultural Insights

In first-century Galilean culture, fishing was a primary industry around the Sea of Galilee. Professional fishermen typically worked at night using various methods including drag-nets and cast-nets. The miraculous catches recorded in Luke’s gospel would have been particularly impressive to his audience because they occurred during daylight hours, when fishing was typically less productive.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄγρα in Luke’s gospel creates a powerful metaphorical bridge between physical and spiritual realities. The miraculous catches of fish serve as tangible demonstrations of God’s power and abundance, while simultaneously pointing to the greater work of gathering people into God’s Kingdom.

This word choice beautifully illustrates how the Messiah transforms ordinary human activities into powerful spiritual metaphors. Just as fishing requires patience, skill, and the right timing, so does the work of evangelism and discipleship.

Personal Application

When we understand the rich meaning of ἄγρα, we’re reminded that our efforts in God’s Kingdom, like fishing, require both divine guidance and human participation. Just as the disciples had to let down their nets at Jesus’s command, we too must act in obedience to His leading, even when it seems counterintuitive to our natural wisdom.

Related Words

• ἁλιεύς (halieus) – fisherman – See G231
• σαγήνη (sagēnē) – dragnet – See G4522
• δίκτυον (diktuon) – fishing net – See G1350

Did you Know?

• The word ἄγρα is still used in Modern Greek to describe hunting and fishing expeditions
• Ancient fishing boats discovered in the Sea of Galilee match exactly the type needed for the large catches described using ἄγρα in Luke’s gospel
• The root word ἄγω influenced English words like “aggregate” and “strategy”

Remember This

“From catching fish to catching souls, ἄγρα reminds us that in God’s Kingdom, every skill can be sanctified for His divine purpose.”