Fish are mentioned many times throughout the Bible, playing an important role in biblical stories, miracles, and teachings.
From the creation account in Genesis to Jesus’ miracles in the New Testament, fish symbolize provision, faith, and the spread of the gospel.
Whether they were part of a miraculous meal or used to describe the kingdom of God, fish carried deep meaning in Scripture.
Understanding what the Bible says about fish can provide insight into God’s power, His provision for His people, and the lessons Jesus taught.
Fish in Creation and the Old Testament
The very first mention of fish in the Bible appears in Genesis.
When God created the world, He filled the waters with fish and other sea creatures.
Genesis 1:20-21 says, “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures…’ So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems.”
This shows that from the beginning, fish were part of God’s design, meant to fill the earth and serve as a source of life.
Later in the Old Testament, fish were included in dietary laws given to the Israelites.
Leviticus 11:9-10 states, “Of all the creatures living in the water, you may eat any that have fins and scales.
But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales… you must regard as unclean.”
This meant that Israelites could eat fish like tilapia and salmon but were forbidden from eating shellfish or bottom-dwelling sea creatures.
God’s dietary laws were not just about food; they were a way to set His people apart and keep them healthy.
Fish as a Symbol of God’s Provision
Throughout the Bible, fish often represent God’s provision.
One of the most famous examples is found in the story of Jonah.
Jonah disobeyed God’s command to go to Nineveh, and as a result, he was swallowed by a great fish.
Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
This moment was not just about punishment—it was about God’s provision and protection.
Even in Jonah’s disobedience, God made a way for him to be saved.
Another example of God providing through fish is seen in the book of Numbers.
When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, they complained about their lack of food.
Numbers 11:5 records their complaint: “We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.”
Even in their suffering, they remembered how fish had once sustained them.
This highlights how fish were seen as a valuable and necessary source of nourishment.
The Miracles of Fish in the New Testament
Fish play a major role in Jesus’ ministry.
One of the most well-known miracles involving fish is the feeding of the five thousand.
In Matthew 14:17-20, a boy’s small offering of five loaves of bread and two fish was used to feed thousands.
Jesus took the little that was given, blessed it, and multiplied it to provide more than enough for everyone.
This miracle demonstrated God’s ability to take what seems small and make it abundant.
Another powerful moment involving fish happened after Jesus’ resurrection.
In John 21:6, Jesus told His disciples, who had been fishing all night without success, to cast their nets on the right side of the boat.
They obeyed, and their nets became so full that they could barely haul in the catch.
This was not just about catching fish—it was about trusting Jesus and seeing how obedience to Him leads to blessings.
This moment reminded the disciples that their true calling was not fishing for food but fishing for souls.
Fish as a Symbol of Evangelism
Jesus often used fish as a metaphor for sharing the gospel.
When He called His first disciples, He told them, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19).
This statement showed that just as fishers cast their nets to catch fish, Jesus’ followers would spread His message to bring people into the kingdom of God.
Fishing requires patience, skill, and perseverance—qualities that are also necessary for sharing the gospel.
In Luke 5:4-7, Jesus instructed Peter to lower his nets after an unfruitful night of fishing.
Peter hesitated but obeyed, resulting in a massive catch.
This was a clear lesson: obedience to Jesus produces results, even when things seem hopeless.
The same principle applies to evangelism.
When believers follow Christ’s instructions, He provides the increase.
The Fish as a Christian Symbol
Early Christians used the fish symbol, known as the Ichthys, to identify themselves.
During times of persecution, believers would draw a simple fish shape as a secret way to recognize fellow Christians.
The Greek letters for “Ichthys” stood for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”
The fish symbol became a reminder of Christ’s identity and mission.
Today, the fish symbol is still used on cars, jewelry, and church decorations.
It serves as a simple yet powerful reminder of faith in Jesus and the call to be fishers of men.
A Lesson on Trust and Obedience
Fish in the Bible often symbolize trust in God.
In Matthew 17:27, Jesus told Peter to catch a fish, and inside its mouth, he would find a coin to pay the temple tax.
This miracle showed that God provides in unexpected ways.
It also emphasized the importance of trusting Jesus, even when His instructions seem unusual.
Trusting God’s provision is a central theme throughout Scripture.
Just as fish were a daily necessity for many people in biblical times, Jesus taught that reliance on God should be a daily practice.
Matthew 6:26 reminds believers, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?”
If God provides for fish in the sea, how much more will He provide for His children?
The Final Fishing Story: The End of the Age
One of Jesus’ parables compares the kingdom of heaven to a fishing net.
In Matthew 13:47-50, Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore.
Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.”
This parable reveals that at the end of time, God will separate the righteous from the wicked, just as fishermen separate good fish from bad.
It is a reminder that judgment will come, and only those who belong to Christ will be gathered into His kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Fish in the Bible represent many things: provision, faith, obedience, and the spreading of the gospel.
From Old Testament stories of sustenance to New Testament miracles of multiplication, fish remind believers of God’s power and care.
Jesus used fishing as a powerful metaphor for evangelism, showing that just as fishers seek out fish, Christians should seek out people for God’s kingdom.
The Bible’s many references to fish reveal lessons of trust, faithfulness, and divine provision.
God’s care extends beyond the sea—He provides for His people in every area of life.
Just as Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men, He calls every believer to cast their nets and bring others into His love.