"a little fish, Jn. 6:9, 11; 21:9, 10, 13*"
Definition and meaning
a little fish, Jn. 6:9, 11; 21:9, 10, 13*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὀψάριον
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of opsarion (G3795) across the King James Bible.
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3795 (opsarion) is a Greek word that means: a little fish, Jn. 6:9, 11; 21:9, 10, 13* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word opsarion (G3795) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3795 is opsarion, a Greek word defined as: a little fish, Jn. 6:9, 11; 21:9, 10, 13*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
opsarion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.