Luke 10:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:2
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, redemption, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 10:2
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Analysis
Jesus tells the seventy: 'The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.' The 'harvest' metaphor represents people ready for salvation. 'Great' harvest with 'few' laborers creates urgency—much work, insufficient workers. The solution isn't recruiting but praying—God must 'send forth' (Greek 'ekbalē,' ἐκβάλῃ, thrust out) workers. The Greek verb implies forceful sending, suggesting God must compel workers into His harvest field. Prayer, not human strategy, mobilizes workers. The harvest belongs to God ('the Lord of the harvest'), not human organizations.
Historical Context
This preceded Jesus sending seventy disciples (some manuscripts say seventy-two) on a preaching mission (vv. 3-16). Harvest imagery was common in Jewish thought, often referring to judgment (Joel 3:13, Matthew 13:39) but here to evangelistic opportunity. First-century Palestine was agricultural—hearers would know harvest's urgency. Ripe grain left unharvested rots, making laborers critically important. Jesus' ministry demonstrated this pattern—He prayed all night before choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12), and here instructs praying before the seventy's mission. Effective evangelism requires God-sent, God-empowered workers, not merely volunteers pursuing their own agenda.
Reflection
- What does the great harvest with few laborers teach about evangelistic opportunity and the urgent need for workers?
- Why does Jesus prioritize prayer for workers rather than human recruiting strategies or organizational expansion?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Acts 13:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:12
- Prayer: 2 Thessalonians 3:1
- Parallel theme: Mark 13:34, 16:15, Acts 11:19, 20:28, 22:21, 1 Timothy 4:10