Matthew 9:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 9:38
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Chapter Context
Matthew 9 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, mercy. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 9:38
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Analysis
Jesus' solution to the worker shortage: 'Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest' (δεηθητε ουν του κυριου του θερισμου οπως εκβαλη εργατας εις τον θερισμον αυτου). The command is to pray, not to organize human solutions. God is 'Lord of the harvest' (κυριου του θερισμου)—He owns the field and directs the work. Workers aren't self-appointed but sent by the Lord. 'Send forth' (εκβαλη) is forceful verb, literally 'cast out' or 'thrust out'—suggesting God's initiative and authority in calling workers. Prayer acknowledges that God raises up, gifts, and sends workers; human effort alone cannot produce genuine laborers. The passage teaches that mission begins with prayer, not programs. Before sending the Twelve (chapter 10), Jesus teaches them to pray for workers—they themselves become the answer to their own prayers.
Historical Context
Jewish prayer culture emphasized seeking God's intervention in community needs. Jesus teaches that workers for God's harvest come through prayer to the Lord who owns and oversees the harvest. This corrects activist tendencies to solve problems through human organization alone. Early church practiced this: prayer preceded missionary sending (Acts 13:2-3). Church history shows movements of gospel expansion typically began with prayer that moved God to raise and send workers. Modern missions often lacks this foundational emphasis on prayer for workers.
Reflection
- How does praying for workers transform our approach to mission and evangelism?
- What is the relationship between prayer for workers and willingness to become one yourself?
- How can churches develop cultures of prayer for gospel workers rather than mere program development?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 68:11, Micah 5:7, Acts 13:2
- Prayer: 2 Thessalonians 3:1
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 3:15, John 20:21, Acts 8:4, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11