Fishing in the Time of Jesus
In the area where Jesus lived and worked — around the Lake of Galilee — fishing was an important source of income for many people. Jesus’ disciples were fishermen, for instance. Archaeological data and information from the New Testament allow us to form a good picture of fishing in the time of Jesus.
Various Methods of Fishing
In the first century AD there were several methods of fishing that in many respects have not changed much over time:
- With a net. Fishermen used drag nets, casting nets, and traps.
- With a hook and line. A fishing hook consisted of a small, bent piece of metal or bone with a sharp point at the end. Bait was attached to the hook to attract fish. The line with the hook on it was thrown out into the water and when the fish bit, the line was reeled in. In Matthew 17:27
, Jesus tells Peter to “drop in a line”. - Using a harpoon, a man-sized wooden pole topped with an iron point with barbs. The fisherman tried to spear fish and other water creatures with the harpoon to catch them.
Where Did They Fish?
Fishing primarily took place in the Mediterranean Sea, Lake Galilee, Lake Hula in the north of Israel, and in the River Jordan
The city of Tyre in the Mediterranean Sea was known for fishing (Ezekiel 26:14
What Did They Fish for?
Fishing was largely tailored to what people ate. People only ate water creatures with fins and scales. Species without scales, like mussels and lobster, were seen as unclean and were forbidden by the food laws (Leviticus 11:10
The catch on Lake Galilee probably consisted primarily of sardines, barbel (a carp-like fish) and tilapia.
Saint Peter’s Fish
Tilapia are also called “Saint Peter’s fish”. The reason for this can be found in Matthew 17:27
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