Definition and Etymology:
The term "Tillest" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood as a derivative of the word "till," which is often used in the context of cultivation or preparation of the ground for planting. In biblical terms, "till" is associated with the stewardship of the earth, a task given to humanity by God.

Biblical Context:
The concept of tilling the ground is introduced early in the Scriptures. In Genesis 2:15 , it is written, "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it." This verse highlights the responsibility given to Adam to cultivate and maintain the garden, symbolizing humanity's role in caring for God's creation.

Theological Significance:
Tilling the ground is emblematic of human labor and stewardship. It reflects the divine mandate for humans to engage with the earth responsibly and productively. This task is not merely agricultural but extends to all forms of work and creativity, as seen in the broader biblical narrative.

Old Testament References:
In Genesis 3:23 , after the Fall, it is stated, "Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken." This verse underscores the shift from the ideal state of Eden to a life of labor and toil, a consequence of sin. The act of tilling becomes a reminder of humanity's fallen state and the need for redemption.

The Book of Proverbs also touches on the theme of diligent work. Proverbs 12:11 states, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and the rewards it brings, contrasting it with the folly of idleness.

New Testament Application:
While the New Testament does not explicitly mention tilling, the principles of stewardship and labor are evident. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 , Paul writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, the metaphor of a field suggests the ongoing work of cultivating faith and spiritual growth within the community of believers.

Symbolic Interpretation:
Tilling can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual preparation and growth. Just as the soil must be prepared to receive seed, so must the human heart be prepared to receive the Word of God. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), Jesus describes different types of soil, representing the varied responses to the Gospel message.

Practical Implications:
The concept of tilling encourages believers to engage in diligent work, whether in their vocations, ministries, or personal spiritual lives. It calls for a commitment to nurturing and developing the gifts and resources God has entrusted to them.

Conclusion:
While "Tillest" as a term does not appear in the Bible, its conceptual roots in the act of tilling provide rich theological and practical insights. It serves as a reminder of humanity's role as stewards of creation and the importance of labor in fulfilling God's purposes.

The Growth and Power of Sin
... When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength.
A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

Matt. Iii. 13
... For it will be no longer, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return," [523]
and thou "tillest the ground," [524] and those former words, that will be ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xii matt iii 13.htm

Continuation: with Texts from Scripture.
... Jesus, Saviour of our race; Shepherd, who dost us keep; Husbandman, who tillest,.
Bit to restrain us, Rudder. To guide us as Thou willest; ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xii continuation with texts from.htm

Chapter iv
... When thou tillest the soil, it shall not in the future yield its produce to
thee; thou shalt be shifting and straying about in the earth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Tillest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tillest (1 Occurrence). Genesis 4:12 When thou
tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee ...
/t/tillest.htm - 6k

Vagabond (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee
her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. ...
/v/vagabond.htm - 9k

Vagrant (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee
her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. ...
/v/vagrant.htm - 7k

Tilleth (2 Occurrences)

/t/tilleth.htm - 7k

Tillers (2 Occurrences)

/t/tillers.htm - 6k

Trembling (72 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:12 when thou tillest the ground, it doth not add to give its strength
to thee -- a wanderer, even a trembling one, thou art in the earth.' (YLT). ...
/t/trembling.htm - 29k

Add (135 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:12 when thou tillest the ground, it doth not add to give its strength
to thee -- a wanderer, even a trembling one, thou art in the earth.' (YLT). ...
/a/add.htm - 39k

Henceforth (68 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee
her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. ...
/h/henceforth.htm - 27k

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