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δίκτυον

díktyon

G1350 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A net, especially a woven or knotted device for catching fish, birds, or other animals; in most New Testament and common Hellenistic usage, a fishing net, with emphasis on the physical structure and function of the device as spread, lowered, or cast into water to ensnare aquatic animals. By extension, may be used metaphorically (rarely) for means of entrapment.

Semantic Range

net, fishing net, device for catching fish or birds, snare (metaphorically), web

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root δικτ- meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind' (see δίκτυον as a noun and related verb forms); ultimately associated with weaving or connecting in a mesh pattern. There is no clear evidence for an independent primary verb 'to cast' as the Strong's gloss suggests; the etymology is from the concept of tying or weaving.

Historical & Contextual Notes

δίκτυον is a standard Greek term for a net of mesh or web intended for trapping fish or birds. In classical literature (e.g., Homer, Herodotus), it denotes both general nets and hunting/fishing implements, often emphasizing their intricate, carefully constructed pattern. In the Septuagint (LXX), it translates various Hebrew terms for net, with functionally specific reference to fish nets in prophetic and wisdom literature, and sometimes metaphorically for snares or traps (e.g., LXX Psalm 10:8, Proverbs 1:17). In the New Testament, δίκτυον occurs primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and John, always in narrative contexts of Galilean fishing, as a noun for large, commercial fishing nets (e.g., Matthew 4:20-21; 13:47; John 21:6,8,11). The English rendering 'net' is generally adequate but does not differentiate between types of fishing nets (as ancient Greek sometimes does, cf. σαγήνη, ἀμφίβληστρον). The semantic field overlaps with σαγήνη (sein-net, dragnet), but δίκτυον is the broader, primary term, covering any net made of woven cord or stringer. Later Greek and early Christian literature sometimes extends the metaphor of the net (e.g., for 'catching people'), but not commonly in the NT. There is no implication of 'casting' in the etymology; rather, it refers specifically to the woven nature of the net.

Translation Consistency

primary "net" 12 occurrences

δίκτυον denotes a physical net (especially a fishing net) and occasionally a metaphorical snare. The simple, natural noun “net” best covers the typical Hellenistic NT usage (and allows plural/possessive inflection as needed) while remaining clear and idiomatic.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from a primary verb (to cast); a seine (for fishing):--net.

Root Family

δίκτυον (díktyon) — net, woven device, mesh, binding web

Root δικτ- to weave, to tie, to bind

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1350-01 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets 8
G1350-02 δίκτυον diktuon N ACC N SG net a woven net net 4

Occurrences in Scripture

12 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1350-01 Matthew 4:20 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Matthew 4:21 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Mark 1:18 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Mark 1:19 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Luke 5:2 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Luke 5:4 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Luke 5:5 δίκτυα diktua N ACC N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-01 Luke 5:6 δίκτυα diktua N NOM N PL nets woven nets nets
G1350-02 John 21:6 δίκτυον diktuon N ACC N SG net a woven net net
G1350-02 John 21:8 δίκτυον diktuon N ACC N SG net a woven net net
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