In biblical times, the term "tiller" refers to those who work the land, cultivating the soil to produce crops. This occupation is one of the oldest known to humanity and is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its significance in ancient agrarian societies.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 4:2 · The first mention of a tiller in the Bible is found in the account of Cain and Abel. "Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil." . Cain, as a tiller, represents the agricultural aspect of early human civilization, contrasting with Abel, who was a shepherd.

2. Genesis 3:23 · After the fall of man, Adam is sent out of the Garden of Eden to work the ground. "Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken." . This passage underscores the toil and labor associated with tilling the soil as a consequence of sin.

3. Proverbs 12:11 · The wisdom literature of the Bible often extols the virtues of hard work and diligence, as seen in this proverb: "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." . Here, the tiller is portrayed as wise and industrious, ensuring sustenance and prosperity through diligent labor.

4. Isaiah 28:24-26 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a farmer to convey spiritual truths: "Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in rows, barley in plots, and spelt as their border? For his God instructs and teaches him properly." . This passage illustrates the divine guidance given to those who till the land, emphasizing the order and wisdom inherent in agricultural practices.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, tillers of the soil are often depicted as integral to the sustenance and survival of communities. The act of tilling is not merely a physical task but is imbued with spiritual and moral dimensions. It reflects humanity's responsibility to steward the earth, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

The role of the tiller also serves as a metaphor for spiritual cultivation. Just as a farmer prepares the soil for planting, believers are called to prepare their hearts to receive God's word, allowing it to take root and bear fruit in their lives.

Symbolism:

Tilling the soil symbolizes preparation, diligence, and the hope of a future harvest. It is a reminder of the partnership between divine providence and human effort. The tiller's work is a testament to the biblical principle that faith and works go hand in hand, as seen in James 2:17: "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." .

In summary, the figure of the tiller in the Bible is rich with meaning, representing both the physical labor necessary for survival and the spiritual labor required for growth in faith. The tiller's task is a divine calling, reflecting the Creator's design for humanity to work the land and, in doing so, to honor God.

On Counter Promises.
... they think that the natives of other countries are to be given them as the ministers
of their pleasures, whom they are to employ either as tillers of the field ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter xi on counter promises.htm

Easter Day
... But if it be buried in the earth a while, then the rich life which lay hid in it
is called out by that seeming death, and it sprouts, tillers, and flowers, and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xi easter day.htm

I Will Run in My Affections, to Him who Heals Freely
... The day of confusion, I have prepared for myself by my crimes. 18. How
shall they bear the suffering, the labourers and tillers? ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vi i will run.htm

To the Patrician Areobindas.
... your own hinds. Pity, I beseech you, the tillers of the ground, who have
spent their toil with but very little result. Be this bad ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xxiii to the patrician areobindas.htm

Letter xviii. To Macarius and John.
... The labours of the field come as no novelty to tillers of the land; sailors are
not astonished if they meet a storm at sea; sweats in the summer heat are the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xviii to macarius and.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... conformations of the soil. The Egyptians were a quiet, gentle, and harmless
race of tillers of the ground. They spent their lives ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

Whether the Particular Punishments of Our First Parents are ...
... hence the words (Gn.3:17), "With labor and toil shalt thou eat thereof all the days
of thy life." Thirdly, by the obstacles encountered by the tillers of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the particular punishments of.htm

The Last Smile of the Muse
... under the windows of the baths. They lived very close to nature, almost
the life of field-tillers. The whole charm of Cassicium ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the last smile of.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... arising, the preaching of the Gospel was so far from being put down, that it still
flourishes and increases; and they taught simple people, tillers of the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... Supposing that they themselves were disinterested, they had behind them the crowd
of clients and land-tillers who got their living out of the Church, and dwelt ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

Tillers (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tillers (2 Occurrences). Job 31:39 If I have
eaten the fruits thereof without money, Or have caused the ...
/t/tillers.htm - 6k

Tiller (3 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To put forth new shoots from the root, or round the bottom of the original
stalk; as, wheat or rye tillers; some spread plants by tilling. ...
/t/tiller.htm - 8k

Tillest (1 Occurrence)

/t/tillest.htm - 6k

Tenants (18 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Job 31:39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have
caused the tillers thereof to be disappointed-- (See NIV). ...
/t/tenants.htm - 10k

Essenes
... Before sunrise they go to their work and do not quit it till sunset. Some are tillers
of the soil, some shepherds, some tend bees, some are artisans. ...
/e/essenes.htm - 38k

Covenant (309 Occurrences)
... The laws are quite generic in form and conception, enforcing such duties as would
devolve upon both temporary nomad and prospective tillers of the soil. ...
/c/covenant.htm - 101k

Book (211 Occurrences)
... The laws are quite generic in form and conception, enforcing such duties as would
devolve upon both temporary nomad and prospective tillers of the soil. ...
/b/book.htm - 101k

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