Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 37

Authorized King James Version

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Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Original Language Analysis

τότε Then G5119
τότε Then
Strong's: G5119
Word #: 1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
λέγει saith G3004
λέγει saith
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 2 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς G3588
τοῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαθηταῖς disciples G3101
μαθηταῖς disciples
Strong's: G3101
Word #: 4 of 13
a learner, i.e., pupil
αὐτοῦ G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's: G846
Word #: 5 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ὁ G3588
Ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν truly G3303
μὲν truly
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
θερισμὸς The harvest G2326
θερισμὸς The harvest
Strong's: G2326
Word #: 8 of 13
reaping, i.e., the crop
πολύς, is plenteous G4183
πολύς, is plenteous
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 9 of 13
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ but G1161
δὲ but
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 11 of 13
but, and, etc
ἐργάται the labourers G2040
ἐργάται the labourers
Strong's: G2040
Word #: 12 of 13
a toiler; figuratively, a teacher
ὀλίγοι· are few G3641
ὀλίγοι· are few
Strong's: G3641
Word #: 13 of 13
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus offers agricultural metaphor: 'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few' (Ο μεν θερισμος πολυς οι δε εργαται ολιγοι). 'Harvest' (θερισμος) represents people ready to respond to the gospel—the fields are 'white unto harvest' (John 4:35), indicating readiness and urgency. 'Plenteous' (πολυς) emphasizes abundance: vast numbers need the gospel. However, 'labourers' (εργαται, workers) are 'few' (ολιγοι). The problem isn't lack of receptive people but shortage of workers to reach them. This creates urgency: harvest timing is critical; delay means lost opportunity. The metaphor shifts from shepherding (9:36) to harvesting, both expressing need for workers. Jesus prepares to send out the Twelve (chapter 10), expanding ministry beyond His personal reach through multiplied workers.

Historical Context

Agricultural imagery would resonate with Jesus' largely agrarian audience. Harvest was intense, time-sensitive work requiring many hands. Missing the harvest window meant crop loss. In spiritual terms, Jesus sees Israel ripe for response but lacking adequate workers to reach them. The Twelve's commissioning (chapter 10) addresses this need by multiplying ministry. Early church understood mission as harvest work (Romans 1:13, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9). The urgency remains: people ready to respond but lacking workers to reach them with the gospel.

Questions for Reflection