Lexical Summary geórgos: Farmer, Husbandman, Vinedresser Original Word: γεωργός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance farmerFrom ge and the base of ergon; a land-worker, i.e. Farmer -- husbandman. see GREEK ge see GREEK ergon HELPS Word-studies 1092 NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gé and ergon Definition a husbandman, vinedresser NASB Translation farmer (2), vine-growers (16), vinedresser (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1092: γεωργόςγεωργός, γεωργου, ὁ (from γῆ and ἘΡΓΩ), from (Herodotus), Xenophon, and Plato down; a husbandman, tiller of the soil: 2 Timothy 2:6; James 5:7; several times in the Sept.; used of a vine-dresser (Aelian nat. an. 7, 28; (Plato, Theact., p. 178 d.; others)) in Matthew 21:33ff; Mark 12:1f, 7, 9; Luke 20:9f, 14, 16; John 15:1. Topical Lexicon Scope and ConceptStrong’s 1092 gathers the New Testament’s varied references to the farmer, vinedresser, or tenant-cultivator. Whether describing actual agricultural laborers (James 5:7), leased tenants in a parable (Matthew 21; Mark 12; Luke 20), or the Father Himself as the divine Vinedresser (John 15:1), the word serves as a theological lens through which Scripture speaks of stewardship, fruitfulness, patience, and ultimate accountability. Agricultural Imagery in Redemptive History From the Garden of Eden onward, cultivation language saturates Scripture. Isaiah 5:1-7 presents Israel as a vineyard tenderly prepared by God; Psalm 80:8-16 rehearses the same theme. The New Testament keeps that imagery alive. By using γεωργός, the Gospels, Epistles, and the words of Christ forge an unbroken line between Old Testament expectations and New Testament fulfillment, insisting that the One who planted expects fruit. The Parable of the Vineyard Tenants Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-11; Luke 20:9-18 repeatedly employ γεωργός to brand the leaders of Israel as tenant farmers. The point is two-fold: 1. Divine Ownership: “A man planted a vineyard … and rented it out to some tenants” (Mark 12:1). God alone owns the vineyard; His people manage it. Divine Vinedresser in Christ’s Farewell Discourse “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1). Here γεωργός identifies God in His active, providential care: • Pruning: The Father removes fruitless branches and cleans those that bear fruit (John 15:2), underscoring sanctification. Pastoral Instruction and Ministry Application 2 Timothy 2:6 presents the γεωργός as a model for Christian workers: “The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops”. Paul extols diligent labor, delayed gratification, and the right of ministry workers to benefit from their toil. Hard work precedes harvest, and faithful servants may expect their share of spiritual fruit. James 5:7 turns the same image into an eschatological exhortation: “Be patient therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil, how patient he is for the fall and spring rains”. Here γεωργός embodies endurance; just as seasons are fixed by God, so the Lord’s return is certain and worth the wait. Historical Background Tenant farming was widespread in first-century Judea and Galilee. Large estates were often managed by absentee owners who leased parcels to local cultivators for a fixed share of produce. Social tension over rents and indebtedness made Jesus’ vineyard parable immediately recognizable and personally challenging to His listeners, many of whom lived under similar economic pressures. Major Themes Unified by γεωργός 1. Stewardship: Everything belongs to God; humans are trustees. Relevance for Contemporary Ministry • Leaders are tenants, not owners, of the flock and resources entrusted to them. Conclusion Whether used of hired hands, covenant-breaking leaders, diligent ministers, or the Father Himself, γεωργός keeps the church mindful of divine ownership, the necessity of fruit, and the certainty of a final harvest. Forms and Transliterations γεωργοι γεωργοί γεωργοὶ γεωργοις γεωργοίς γεωργοῖς γεωργον γεωργόν γεωργὸν γεωργος γεωργός γεωργὸς γεωργους γεωργούς γεωργοὺς γεωργώ γεωργων γεωργών γεωργῶν georgoi georgoì geōrgoi geōrgoì georgois georgoîs geōrgois geōrgoîs georgon georgòn georgôn geōrgon geōrgòn geōrgōn geōrgō̂n georgos georgós georgòs geōrgos geōrgós geōrgòs georgous georgoús georgoùs geōrgous geōrgoús geōrgoùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:33 N-DMPGRK: ἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς καὶ ἀπεδήμησεν NAS: and rented it out to vine-growers and went on a journey. KJV: out to husbandmen, and INT: rented out it to tenants and left the region Matthew 21:34 N-AMP Matthew 21:35 N-NMP Matthew 21:38 N-NMP Matthew 21:40 N-DMP Matthew 21:41 N-DMP Mark 12:1 N-DMP Mark 12:2 N-AMP Mark 12:2 N-GMP Mark 12:7 N-NMP Mark 12:9 N-AMP Luke 20:9 N-DMP Luke 20:10 N-AMP Luke 20:10 N-NMP Luke 20:14 N-NMP Luke 20:16 N-AMP John 15:1 N-NMS 2 Timothy 2:6 N-AMS James 5:7 N-NMS Strong's Greek 1092 |
    |