ἄγκιστρον – Pronunciation Guide: ang-kis-tron (ang as in “hang”, kis as in “kiss”, tron as in “strong”)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G44: A fishhook; a curved metal implement used for catching fish. In biblical usage, it specifically appears in contexts relating to fishing for sustenance and as a metaphor for drawing people to God.
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
- Root: From ἄγκος (ankos), meaning “a bend”
Morphology:
- ἄγκιστρον (nominative/accusative singular) – a fishhook
- ἀγκίστρου (genitive singular) – of a fishhook
- ἀγκίστρῳ (dative singular) – to/with a fishhook
Word Origin & History
The term ἄγκιστρον has deep roots in ancient Greek maritime culture, appearing in classical literature as early as Homer’s Odyssey. The word evolved from the Indo-European root *ank-, meaning “to bend” or “curve,” which perfectly describes the essential shape of a fishhook.
In classical Greek literature, Herodotus uses the term when describing Egyptian fishing practices, while Aristotle employs it in his Historia Animalium when discussing fishing techniques of his time.
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἄγκιστρον appears notably in Matthew 17:27, where Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish with a hook to find a coin for the temple tax. This usage combines both literal and metaphorical significance, demonstrating God’s providence and sovereignty.
Key Passages:
- Matthew 17:27 – The miracle of the coin in the fish’s mouth
- Amos 4:2 – (Related Septuagint usage) Divine judgment metaphor
Cultural Insights
In the first-century Galilean fishing industry, hooks were precious tools carefully crafted by metalworkers. Unlike modern mass-produced hooks, each ἄγκιστρον was individually forged and represented a significant investment for professional fishermen. Archaeological discoveries around the Sea of Galilee have unearthed bronze and iron hooks that match the New Testament period, providing tangible connections to the biblical narrative.
Theological Significance
The use of ἄγκιστρον in Matthew’s Gospel reveals multiple layers of theological truth. First, it demonstrates Jesus’s supernatural knowledge and provision for His followers. Second, it symbolizes how God can use the ordinary (fishing) to accomplish the extraordinary (miraculous provision).
The image of the hook also parallels Jesus’s call to make His disciples “fishers of men,” suggesting that just as a hook draws fish from the depths, God’s grace draws people to Himself from the depths of sin.
Personal Application
When we encounter ἄγκιστρον in Scripture, we’re reminded that God often works through ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Just as Peter had to act in faith by casting his hook into the sea, we too are called to trust God’s provisions and promises, even when they seem unlikely or impossible.
Related Words
- ἁλιεύς (halieus) – fisherman – See G231
- δίκτυον (diktuon) – fishing net – See G1350
- σαγήνη (sagēnē) – dragnet – See G4522
Did You Know?
- Ancient fishhooks were often inscribed with owner’s marks, showing their value as personal property
- The shape of the fishhook became an early Christian symbol, representing being “caught” by Christ’s love
- Modern Greek still uses ἄγκιστρο (the modern form) to mean fishhook, showing the word’s enduring legacy
Remember This
The divine Hook (ἄγκιστρον) reminds us that in God’s hands, the simple becomes sacred, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
