ἄγρα
ágra
G61 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primary meaning: a taking, a catching; specifically used of catching fish, thus a haul or catch of fish. In New Testament contexts, refers primarily to the act or result of drawing in a catch of fish, either as the process of fishing or as the actual collection of fish taken in nets.
Semantic Range
act of catching, taking (prey or fish); the catch or haul itself; hunting; specifically, catch of fish in fishing contexts
Root / Etymology
From the root ἄγ- (to lead, to bring), but the exact formation is unclear. The noun ἄγρα is related by sense: the thing that is led or brought in, i.e., the catch. Cognate with terms in later and classical Greek indicating hunting or acquisition, but direct morphological derivation from ἄγω is debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἄγρα commonly referred generally to a hunt, the act of hunting, or the prey itself, especially wild animals taken in a hunt (see also ἄγρευσις). In Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, the term narrows to refer specifically to fishing, likely due to context and regional usage (e.g., Luke 5:4,9, John 21:6,11). Standard English translations such as 'draught' or 'haul' narrow the sense to fish, but in broader Greek can refer to any kind of catch (though always the act/result, not the means). In the LXX, occasionally used for general hunting or netting prey, but more often reflects the Septuagint translators' adaptation of Hebrew terms related to capture. In the NT, always relates to fish. Contrasts with ἄγρευμα ('thing caught'), which refers to the prey or the captured thing itself, not the act. Does not carry metaphorical senses in Koine usage as some words for 'capture' do.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἄγω; (abstractly) a catching (of fish); also (concretely) a haul (of fish):--draught.
Root Family
ἄγρ- (ágra) — to catch, to take, to bring in
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G61-01 |
ἄγρᾳ | agra | N DAT F SG |
catch | to a catch of fish | catch | 1 |
G61-02 |
ἄγραν | agran | N ACC F SG |
a catch | a catch | a catch | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences