John 4:36
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθὸν
wages
G3408
μισθὸν
wages
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
4 of 20
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
λαμβάνει
receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνει
receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
5 of 20
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνάγει
gathereth
G4863
συνάγει
gathereth
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
7 of 20
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αἰώνιον
eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
11 of 20
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπείρων
he that soweth
G4687
σπείρων
he that soweth
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
15 of 20
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
χαίρῃ
may rejoice
G5463
χαίρῃ
may rejoice
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
17 of 20
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 1:13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.Proverbs 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Historical Context
In ancient agriculture, sowers and reapers were often different people working at different seasons. Jesus applies this to spiritual ministry where John the Baptist sowed, Jesus and disciples reap, yet all will celebrate together.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that we participate in ongoing gospel work prevent pride or discouragement?
- What does it mean that both sower and reaper rejoice together in God's economy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus promises that the reaper 'receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal' so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. This depicts cooperative ministry across time—some plant, some water, some harvest, but all share the joy. The fruit is eternal life for believers, glory to God, and joy to workers.