The term "gardener" in the Bible is often associated with themes of cultivation, care, and growth, both in the physical and spiritual sense. The imagery of a gardener is used to convey God's nurturing and sustaining role in the lives of His people, as well as the responsibility of believers to cultivate their spiritual lives.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 2:15 · "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it."
In the creation narrative, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden with the responsibility to tend and keep it. This establishes the role of humanity as stewards of God's creation, reflecting God's own care and order.

2. John 15:1-2 · "I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful."
Jesus uses the metaphor of a gardener to describe God the Father’s role in the spiritual growth of believers. The pruning process, though sometimes painful, is necessary for producing spiritual fruit, emphasizing God's active involvement in the sanctification of His people.

3. John 20:15 · "‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ Jesus asked. ‘Whom are you seeking?’ Thinking He was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.’"
After His resurrection, Jesus is mistaken for a gardener by Mary Magdalene. This encounter highlights the new creation theme, as Jesus, the risen Lord, is seen as the one who brings new life and restoration, akin to a gardener tending to a garden.

4. Isaiah 58:11 · "The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a well-watered garden to describe the blessings and sustenance provided by God to His people. This metaphor underscores the abundance and vitality that come from living in accordance with God's will.

Theological Significance:

The gardener motif in Scripture serves as a powerful symbol of God's providence and the believer's call to spiritual diligence. Just as a gardener tends to plants, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients and care, God tends to His people, providing for their needs and guiding them towards spiritual maturity. This imagery also calls believers to be active participants in their spiritual growth, cooperating with God's work in their lives.

The role of the gardener is also a reminder of the original purpose given to humanity in the Garden of Eden—to steward and cultivate the earth. This stewardship extends beyond the physical realm to include the nurturing of one's spiritual life and the lives of others within the community of faith.

In summary, the biblical concept of the gardener encapsulates themes of care, growth, and divine-human partnership, illustrating the dynamic relationship between God and His creation.