The term "ploweth" is an archaic form of the verb "plow," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. It refers to the act of tilling or preparing the ground for sowing seeds, a fundamental agricultural practice in biblical times. The concept of plowing is rich with spiritual and moral implications throughout Scripture, symbolizing preparation, diligence, and the cultivation of one's heart and life for righteousness.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 20:4 : "The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there." This verse highlights the importance of diligence and timely effort. The act of plowing is used metaphorically to emphasize the necessity of preparation and hard work to achieve fruitful results. The sluggard's failure to plow at the appropriate time results in a lack of harvest, serving as a warning against laziness and procrastination.

2. Luke 9:62 : "But Jesus declared, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'" Here, Jesus uses the imagery of plowing to illustrate the commitment required to follow Him. Just as a farmer must focus on the task at hand to plow a straight furrow, a disciple must remain steadfast and undistracted in their devotion to Christ. Looking back signifies a divided heart and a lack of commitment to the kingdom of God.

3. 1 Corinthians 9:10 : "Surely He says this for us, does He not? Yes, this was written for us, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher to partake of his hope." The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of plowing to teach about the hope and expectation that should accompany one's labor in the Lord. Just as a plowman works with the anticipation of a future harvest, believers are encouraged to serve God with the hope of spiritual rewards and eternal life.

Theological Implications:

Plowing, as depicted in the Bible, carries significant theological implications. It is often associated with the preparation of the heart to receive God's word. In Hosea 10:12 , the prophet exhorts, "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain." This call to "break up your unplowed ground" is a metaphor for repentance and spiritual renewal, urging believers to cultivate a receptive and obedient heart.

Furthermore, plowing is linked to the concept of divine judgment and blessing. In Jeremiah 4:3 , the Lord warns, "Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among thorns." This admonition underscores the necessity of removing obstacles and sin from one's life to receive God's blessings fully.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, plowing was an essential part of daily life and survival. The process involved using a plow, typically drawn by oxen, to turn over the soil, making it ready for planting. This agricultural practice was not only vital for physical sustenance but also served as a powerful metaphor for spiritual truths.

The imagery of plowing would have been familiar to Jesus' audience and the early church, making it an effective teaching tool. The act of plowing required strength, focus, and perseverance, qualities that are equally important in the spiritual life of a believer.

In summary, the concept of "ploweth" in the Bible serves as a profound metaphor for spiritual preparation, diligence, and commitment. It calls believers to cultivate their hearts, remain steadfast in their faith, and labor with hope for the kingdom of God.

Spiritual Farming. --No. 2 Ploughing.
... Jerusalem.". Keep a good heart on it. "He that ploweth should plow in hope."
What is called success does not mean reaping only. The ...
/.../champness/broken bread/iii spiritual farming no 2 ploughing.htm

A Liberal Church
... For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope;
and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Whether Hope Precedes Faith
... 3. Again, hope precedes a meritorious act. For the apostle says in I:Cor.9:10:
"he that ploweth should plow in hope." Now the act of faith is meritorious. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article seven whether hope precedes.htm

John Chapter ii. 21-Dec
... Yea, for our sakes He saith it: that he who ploweth should plow in hope; and he
that thresheth, in hope of partaking." [245] Those oxen, then, have left to us ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate x john chapter ii.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... And he dwells upon the metaphor, saying and declaring, "Yea for our sakes it was
written, because he who ploweth ought to plow in hope;" ie, the teacher ought ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... Upon this point the Puritan Manton has written very helpfully. "I cannot say to
every one that ploweth, infallibly, that he shall have a good crop; but this I ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... 3. He has promised us the life we hope for, to encourage us still to hope, and to
endure all things to enjoy it (Titus 1:2). 'That he that ploweth should plow ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Ploweth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ploweth (2 Occurrences). Psalms 141:7 As when one ploweth
and cleaveth the earth, Our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol. (ASV) ...
/p/ploweth.htm - 6k

Plowing (9 Occurrences)
... sin. (KJV WBS). Isaiah 28:24 Doth he that ploweth to sow plow continually?
doth he continually open and harrow his ground? (See JPS). ...
/p/plowing.htm - 9k

Plowers (1 Occurrence)

/p/plowers.htm - 6k

Breaketh (49 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 141:7 As when one ploweth and cleaveth the earth,
Our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol. (See JPS). ...
/b/breaketh.htm - 21k

Harrowing (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harrowing (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 28:24 Doth he that ploweth
to sow plow continually? doth he continually open and harrow his ground? ...
/h/harrowing.htm - 6k

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