Topical Encyclopedia Definition and General Overview:The term "reap" in the Bible primarily refers to the act of harvesting crops. It is used both literally and metaphorically throughout Scripture. In an agrarian society like that of ancient Israel, reaping was a significant activity, marking the culmination of the planting and growing seasons. Metaphorically, reaping is often used to describe the outcomes or consequences of one's actions, whether good or bad. Old Testament Usage: In the Old Testament, reaping is frequently mentioned in the context of agricultural laws and practices. For example, Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs the Israelites not to reap to the very edges of their fields or gather the gleanings of their harvest, leaving them for the poor and the foreigner. This reflects the social justice aspect of reaping, emphasizing care for the less fortunate. The concept of reaping is also tied to divine blessing and judgment. In Hosea 8:7, the prophet warns, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind," illustrating the principle that actions have consequences, often more severe than anticipated. New Testament Usage: In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of reaping is prominent. Jesus uses the imagery of reaping in His parables to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), the different types of soil represent the varied responses to the Word of God, with the good soil yielding a bountiful harvest. The Apostle Paul also employs the metaphor of reaping to teach about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping. In Galatians 6:7-8, he writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Theological Implications: The principle of reaping what one sows is a foundational biblical truth that underscores the moral order established by God. It serves as a reminder of personal responsibility and the inevitable consequences of one's actions. This principle is not only applicable to individuals but also to communities and nations. Reaping is also associated with the end times and the final judgment. In Revelation 14:14-16, the imagery of reaping is used to describe the harvest of the earth, symbolizing the gathering of believers and the execution of divine judgment. Practical Application: For believers, the concept of reaping encourages a life of righteousness and obedience to God's commands. It serves as a motivation to sow seeds of faith, love, and good works, with the assurance that such sowing will yield a harvest of blessings, both in this life and the life to come. In summary, the biblical concept of reaping encompasses both the literal act of harvesting and the broader spiritual principle of cause and effect. It is a vivid reminder of God's justice and mercy, calling believers to live lives that honor Him and reflect His character. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To cut with a sickle, scythe, or reaping machine, as grain; to gather, as a harvest, by cutting.2. (v. t.) To gather; to obtain; to receive as a reward or harvest, or as the fruit of labor or of works; -- in a good or a bad sense; as, to reap a benefit from exertions. 3. (v. t.) To clear of a crop by reaping; as, to reap a field. 4. (v. t.) To deprive of the beard; to shave. 5. (v. i.) To perform the act or operation of reaping; to gather a harvest. 6. (n.) A bundle of grain; a handful of grain laid down by the reaper as it is cut. Greek 2325. therizo -- to reap ... to reap. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: therizo Phonetic Spelling: (ther-id'-zo) Short Definition: I reap, gather Definition: I reap, gather, harvest. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2325.htm - 7k 270. amao -- to reap Strong's Hebrew 7114b. qatsar -- to reap, harvest... 7114a, 7114b. qatsar. 7115 . to reap, harvest. Transliteration: qatsar Short Definition: reap. Word Origin a prim. root Definition ... /hebrew/7114b.htm - 5k 3615. kalah -- to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished ... 4038. maggal -- a sickle 7114. qatsar -- to be short Library September 19. "In Due Season we Shall Reap if we Faint Not" (Gal. ... A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows. When a Man Sows, He Expects to Reap. CM Jones Very. As Ye Sow, So Shall Ye Reap. How the Soul is to Carry it Self in the Faults it Doth Commit ... A Man Reaps More than He Sows. November 17 Evening God's Curse on Sin. Sowing and Reaping The Promises of the Christian Home. Thesaurus Reap (35 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To gather; to obtain; to receive as a reward or harvest, or as the fruit of labor or of works; -- in a good or a bad sense; as, to reap a benefit from ... /r/reap.htm - 18k Soweth (16 Occurrences) Reaping (10 Occurrences) Sows (18 Occurrences) Sowing (28 Occurrences) Gleanings (8 Occurrences) Gleaning (10 Occurrences) Wholly (67 Occurrences) Spontaneous (5 Occurrences) Sow (61 Occurrences) Resources Is “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about karma? | GotQuestions.org Reap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reap (35 Occurrences)Matthew 6:26 Matthew 25:26 Luke 12:24 Luke 19:21 John 4:38 Romans 1:13 Romans 6:21 Romans 6:22 1 Corinthians 9:11 2 Corinthians 9:6 Galatians 6:7 Galatians 6:8 Galatians 6:9 James 5:4 Revelation 14:15 Leviticus 19:9 Leviticus 23:10 Leviticus 23:22 Leviticus 25:5 Leviticus 25:11 Deuteronomy 24:19 Ruth 2:9 1 Samuel 8:12 2 Kings 19:29 Job 4:8 Job 24:6 Psalms 107:37 Psalms 126:5 Proverbs 22:8 Ecclesiastes 11:4 Isaiah 37:30 Jeremiah 12:13 Hosea 8:7 Hosea 10:12 Micah 6:15 Subtopics Related Terms |