Net or Nets

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stepbystep

Well-known member
Aug 31, 2020
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#21
There were two boats anchored there I believe. And when Simon Peter caught a great amount of fish that was about to break his net, he called for the people on the other boat to come over and help him get all the fish in the boats. I do not think his net broke completely, because the fish did not swim away, and Simon Peter and the others were able to fill both boats with the catch.

I think that it is possible that "net" refers to the net on one boat and "nets" refers to the nets of the two boats. What I think is Jesus used this opportunity to teach Simon Peter and the others about who he was and that he would make them fishers of men if they followed him.
 
Mar 23, 2016
7,021
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#22
There were two boats anchored there I believe. And when Simon Peter caught a great amount of fish that was about to break his net, he called for the people on the other boat to come over and help him get all the fish in the boats. I do not think his net broke completely, because the fish did not swim away, and Simon Peter and the others were able to fill both boats with the catch.

I think that it is possible that "net" refers to the net on one boat and "nets" refers to the nets of the two boats. What I think is Jesus used this opportunity to teach Simon Peter and the others about who he was and that he would make them fishers of men if they followed him.
In agreement that the net did not fully come apart ... otherwise there would have been no fish to fill both ships.

There were two ships at Luke 5:2

Luke 5:1-2 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.


Jesus entered into one of the ships (Peter's) and they left the shore (although probably not far, otherwise no one could hear):

Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.


After He was done teaching, Jesus asked Peter to launch out further into the deep and let down the nets (plural) and Peter cast out a net (singular):

Luke 5:4-5 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.


When the net started to break, they asked their partners in the other ship to come help.

Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.


I still believe Peter let down only one net and then was remorseful that he did not fully comply with the request to let down nets (plural), which is why Peter approached Jesus and said Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord (Luke 5:8).

I also believe that if Peter had let down more than one net, the nets (plural) would not have started to break. Both ships would still have been filled, but no mending of the net would have been required.



 

MrH59

Well-known member
Jun 24, 2018
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Beech Island SC
#23
I am just curious, I would like to hear some opinions of others. In Luke 5 Jesus told Peter to let down his nets, Peter replied “ we will let down our net “. I kjv he says net, other versions say nets. The kjv says they caught a great multitude of fish and their net brake. Othe version say their nets brake.
I imagine there is a simple explanation but I hope this doesn’t turn out to be a Bible version debate. I’m interested in hearing your opinions and value them greatly.
I believe the text which indicates singular "net" in vs 5
I believe Jesus told Peter to let down nets (plural) and Peter let down only one net (singular).

And I believe Peter let down only one net because in Luke 5:8, Peter realized his error and begged forgiveness:

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.


If Peter had followed the instruction and let down nets (plural), he would not have had to beg forgiveness ... even if the nets (plural) had broken.


Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down THE net.

Simon repented from doubt he expressed initially (red underlined). Agree about that part. But what you propose is a theory, that you cannot substantially prove.

Furthermore, wording this as "THE net" in Greek, we can know that Simon didn't throw anything else other than THE net he was requested to throw.
Otherwise, Peter would have responded "we have taken nothing all night, grumble grumble, but nevertheless, I will let down A net". But the way text goes, Peter threw THE net as requested, just with grumbling (thinking it's vain effort), instead of faith. Why do you say the lesson is lost? It isn't lost, it's right there.

That net was also likely one large net composed of multiple nets, like @garee proposed.
Thank you everyone for your response and feedback. I think it important for us to study God’s word. My question arose when I was told that it was partial obedience. Jesus told Peter to let down the “ nets” and Peter let down the “net”. Thank you again 🙏