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G232 · Greek · New Testament
ἁλιεύω
halieuō
Verb
Fish, go fishing

Definition

The Greek verb halieuō means to fish or to go fishing. It appears in John 21:3 when Peter declares "I am going fishing" after the resurrection — drawing the disciples back to the Sea of Tiberias.

Usage & Theological Significance

Peter's declaration "I'm going out to fish" in John 21 is richly symbolic. Some interpret it as regression — returning to the old life after the trauma of the crucifixion and uncertainty of the resurrection. Jesus meets them at the point of their familiar labor, directs their nets, and reveals Himself. Then He commissions Peter not to fish for fish but to feed His sheep. The call does not negate the disciples' fishing identity — Jesus transforms it. Fishermen become fishers of men.

Key Bible Verses

John 21:3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."
Luke 5:4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
John 21:6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
Jeremiah 16:16 "But now I will send for many fishermen," declares the LORD, "and they will catch them."

Related Words

External Resources

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