Definition and Etymology:
The term "labourest" is an archaic form of the word "laborer," which refers to one who works, particularly in the context of agriculture or manual labor. In biblical times, laborers were essential to the agrarian society, responsible for tilling the land, sowing seeds, and harvesting crops. The word is derived from the Latin "laborare," meaning "to toil" or "to work."

Biblical Context:
In the Bible, laborers are often mentioned in parables and teachings of Jesus, highlighting the spiritual significance of work and the kingdom of God. The role of a laborer is used metaphorically to describe those who work in God's service, spreading the Gospel and tending to His spiritual harvest.

Key Biblical References:

1. Matthew 9:37-38 :
"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.'"

· In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the need for laborers in the spiritual harvest. The plentiful harvest represents the many souls ready to receive the Gospel, while the scarcity of workers underscores the need for more disciples to spread the message of salvation.

2. Matthew 20:1-16 :
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard illustrates the kingdom of heaven through the account of a landowner hiring laborers at different times of the day but paying them the same wage. This parable highlights God's grace and the equality of all who enter His kingdom, regardless of when they come to faith.

3. 1 Corinthians 3:9 :
"For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building."

· Here, the Apostle Paul describes believers as co-laborers with God, working together in His service. The imagery of a field and building signifies the growth and edification of the church through the collective efforts of its members.

Theological Significance:
The concept of laborers in the Bible extends beyond physical toil to encompass spiritual work. Believers are called to be diligent in their service to God, recognizing that their efforts contribute to the greater purpose of advancing His kingdom. The call to labor in the Lord's vineyard is a reminder of the privilege and responsibility of participating in God's redemptive plan.

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to view their daily work as an act of worship and service to God. Whether in ministry, secular employment, or volunteer work, believers are to perform their tasks with integrity and dedication, reflecting the character of Christ. The call to be laborers in the harvest also involves evangelism and discipleship, sharing the Gospel with others and nurturing their spiritual growth.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
In the ancient Near East, laborers were often hired on a daily basis, and their work was crucial to the survival of families and communities. The biblical portrayal of laborers reflects the socio-economic realities of the time, where manual labor was a common occupation. The teachings of Jesus often used familiar agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths, making His message accessible to His audience.

Conclusion:
The biblical theme of laborers serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of work, both physical and spiritual, in fulfilling God's purposes. Believers are called to be active participants in God's mission, laboring with diligence and faithfulness in the fields of His harvest.

Certain Amorous Speeches of the Soul to Herself in Prayer:
... thee too much, for thy God doth not despise thee, because thou art frail and infirm;
but loveth thee exceedingly, because thou desirest and labourest to be ...
/.../certain amorous speeches of the.htm

hymn ix.
... 3. With the sons Thou labourest, to chastise and help them; and that the fathers
should not be grieved, by the sound of the scourge, they left me in peace. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ix.htm

Acts and Martyrdom of St. Matthew the Apostle.
... Really, unless he shall be willing to be taken by thee of his own accord, thou
labourest in vain, and thou wilt not be able to hurt him; but if thou wishest to ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of st matthew the apostle/acts and martyrdom of st.htm

Revelation of Moses.
... For whenever thou labourest it, and it will not give its strength, thorns and thistles
shall it raise for thee; and in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of moses/revelation of moses.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ...
... and adulterers God will judge"? [2753] Lo! whosoever thou art that labourest
under such a disease attend. Hear what God saith; not ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxii on the words.htm

Raymond Lull.
... The more thou labourest to soar on high, the more thou wilt soar." He perceived
that man has in his own being the key to all things. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/raymond lull.htm

Spiritual Peace
... When thou repentest, my hearer, still keep thine eye on the cross; when
thou labourest, labor in the strength of the Crucified One. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

Labourest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Labourest (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live
joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of ...
/l/labourest.htm - 6k

Labourers (11 Occurrences)

/l/labourers.htm - 9k

Laboureth (8 Occurrences)

/l/laboureth.htm - 8k

Labored (35 Occurrences)
... vanity, which He hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity; for
that is thy portion in life, and in thy labour wherein thou labourest under the ...
/l/labored.htm - 17k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus