Lexical Summary arotron: Plow Original Word: ἄροτρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance plowFrom aroo (to till); a plow -- plough. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aroó (to plow) Definition a plow NASB Translation plow (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 723: ἄροτρονἄροτρον, ἀρότρου, τό (ἀρόω to plow), a plow: Luke 9:62. (In Greek writings from Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Etymology and Literal Meaning Ἄροτρον denotes a plow, the primary implement used in turning over soil for sowing seed. While the term appears only once in the Greek New Testament, the concept of the plow is woven throughout Scripture as a symbol of labor, preparation, and commitment. Agricultural Context in Biblical Times Plowing in first-century Palestine involved a light wooden frame tipped with iron or hardened wood, guided by a single handle while an ox or pair of oxen supplied the force. The farmer’s attention had to remain fixed on the straight line being cut so that seed could be broadcast evenly. Stones, shallow soil, and sudden turns would ruin the furrow and waste precious seed—a reality well understood by Jesus’ rural audience. Narrative Setting in Luke 9:62 Luke 9 records a series of would-be followers approaching Jesus. To one who desired to look back before committing fully, Jesus answered, “Then Jesus declared, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62). Here the plow functions as an emblem of single-minded discipleship. The imagery is striking: the kingdom furrow is being cut and the Master calls for unwavering focus. Looking back signals divided loyalty and renders the worker ineffective for kingdom purposes. Theological Themes and Applications 1. Whole-hearted devotion. Just as the farmer must keep both eyes ahead, believers are exhorted to press on without distraction (Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1-2). Intertestamental and Rabbinic Parallels Jewish sages compared Torah study to plowing a field, where sustained effort precedes harvest of understanding. Mishnah Avot 5:10 notes that one who “delays the plowing in the rainy season” reaps little, echoing prophetic calls to timely obedience (Hosea 10:12). Pastoral and Homiletical Insights • A sermon may contrast the farmer’s forward gaze with Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26) or Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), illustrating perils of nostalgic attachment to the world. Historical Reception in Church Teaching Early church fathers such as Cyril of Alexandria cited Luke 9:62 when admonishing clergy to pursue holiness unencumbered by secular entanglements. Medieval monastic rules invoked the verse to underscore irrevocable vows. Reformers applied it to the diligence required in expositional preaching, likening the biblical text to a field demanding careful furrowing. Modern Ministry Implications 1. Leadership training should stress perseverance; ministry burnout often stems from “looking back” at alternative comforts rather than fixing eyes on Christ. Summary Ἄροτρον, though rare in the New Testament, offers a vivid window into the Farmer-King’s expectations: undivided focus, patient endurance, and forward-looking faith. The lone occurrence in Luke crystallizes a universal truth—kingdom labor is no casual endeavor. Once the hand grips the plow, the only faithful direction is straight ahead until the Master calls for the harvest. Forms and Transliterations άροτρα αροτρον άροτρον ἄροτρον αροτρόποδι άρουραν arotron árotronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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