Luke 5:4

Author's Intent

The word ἄγρα is not commonly attested in Greek literature in the sense of fishing. The standard Greek term for fishing or a haul of fish is ἁλιεία (ἁλιεύω being "to fish"), while ἄγρα is predominantly associated with hunting on land—whether of animals, humans (metaphorically), or even abstract pursuits.

In poetical, parable, enigmatic, or riddle-like contexts, an extended meaning can obscure or undermine the intended effect of the original usage. These contexts often rely on precise, layered, and sometimes intentionally ambiguous language to evoke certain feelings, meanings, or imagery. If a term like ἄγρα is understood in its "extended" or overly literal sense (such as "catch of fish"), it may disrupt the nuance or metaphorical weight that the author is trying to convey.

For example, in a riddle or enigmatic poetry, the term ἄγρα might carry not only the idea of pursuit or hunting but also allude to broader themes, such as capture, or even reference a pursuit of something intangible or abstract.

In these cases, understanding the word as part of the contextual flow, with its original meaning (hunting or pursuit) and possible metaphoric resonance, is key. The artist or poet may rely on the audience's interpretive engagement, which can be lost if the word is reduced too narrowly or extended too literally.

Thus, in parable or riddle-like texts, it is best to preserve the original or suggestive meaning of the word and allow the context to reveal the full spectrum of its significance, rather than forcing an "extended" interpretation that may not align with the author’s intent.