Matthew 13:47. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.
The precise form of the fishing nets used by the Hebrews is not known; or do we know the exact difference between the) meanings to be attached to the several words which are translated “net.” A kind of net very commonly used resembled the modern seine. It is a net of this sort that is referred to here. Some suppose that in John 21:6, there is also an allusion to this kind of net, but others think that a net for deep-sea fishing is there meant; a net so arranged as to enclose the fish in deep water. Such a net seems to be intended in Luke 5:4, where the command is given, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”
In the Old Testament, fishing nets are referred to in Habakkuk 1:15-16.