Separation in this parable is a major point of emphasis. The Jews could not eat all types of fish (Leviticus 11:9-12). Some were good, or edible, and some were bad, or inedible, and had to be thrown away. Separation also indicated that there are two responses to the gospel: some will receive and believe; others will reject and disbelieve. Jesus will also separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:33).