John 4:38
I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπέστειλα
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλα
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 17
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ὃ
that whereon
G3739
ὃ
that whereon
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κεκοπιάκασιν
bestowed
G2872
κεκοπιάκασιν
bestowed
Strong's:
G2872
Word #:
10 of 17
to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόπον
labours
G2873
κόπον
labours
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
15 of 17
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
Cross References
John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.2 Chronicles 36:15And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:Acts 4:4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.Acts 5:14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Acts 6:7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Historical Context
The disciples would soon enter ministry where they reaped from Jesus' own sowing. The early church later harvested from the apostles' teaching. Each generation benefits from previous faithful witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- How should gratitude for those who preceded us in the faith shape our current service?
- What 'labor' are we adding to for those who will come after us in gospel work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares 'I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour' acknowledging that others (prophets, John the Baptist) prepared the harvest. The disciples enter into 'labours' (Greek: kopos, exhausting toil) of predecessors. Reformed theology emphasizes that we build on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ as cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).