In biblical terminology, "treaders" refers to individuals who tread or walk upon something, often in the context of agriculture or judgment. The imagery of treading is used throughout the Bible to convey themes of dominion, judgment, and the process of transformation, particularly in the context of winepresses and threshing floors.

Agricultural Context

In ancient agrarian societies, treading was a common method used in the processing of grapes and grain. Treaders would crush grapes in a winepress to extract juice for wine production. This imagery is vividly depicted in Isaiah 63:2-3, where the prophet describes the Lord as one who treads the winepress alone, symbolizing divine judgment: "Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? 'I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My wrath; their blood spattered My garments, and I stained all My clothes.'" .

Similarly, the threshing floor, where grain was separated from chaff, involved treading as part of the process. This agricultural practice is used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the separation of the righteous from the wicked, as seen in the prophetic writings.

Symbolism of Judgment

The act of treading is frequently associated with divine judgment. In Revelation 14:19-20, the imagery of the winepress is used to depict the wrath of God: "So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia." . This passage underscores the severity and completeness of God's judgment upon the earth.

Dominion and Authority

Treading also signifies dominion and authority. In Joshua 1:3, God promises Joshua, "I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses." . This promise of land and dominion is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Spiritual Application

In a spiritual sense, believers are called to tread upon spiritual enemies, exercising authority through faith in Christ. Luke 10:19 states, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." . This passage highlights the victory and protection granted to believers through the power of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The concept of treaders in the Bible encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings, from the practical aspects of ancient agriculture to profound spiritual truths about judgment, dominion, and the believer's authority in Christ. Through these images, Scripture communicates the sovereignty of God and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

A Revival Sermon
... God does not promise that there shall be fruitful crops without labor; but here
we find mention made of ploughmen, reapers, treaders of grapes, and sowers of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a revival sermon.htm

Treaders (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Treaders (3 Occurrences). Isaiah 16:4 Sojourn
in thee do My outcasts, O Moab, Be a secret hiding-place ...
/t/treaders.htm - 7k

Treader (5 Occurrences)
... is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall
be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread ...
/t/treader.htm - 8k

Press (57 Occurrences)
... was always wider and shallower than the lower and was the press proper, into which
the grapes were thrown, to be crushed by the feet of the treaders (Isaiah 63 ...
/p/press.htm - 46k

Wine (282 Occurrences)
... was always wider and shallower than the lower and was the press proper, into which
the grapes were thrown, to be crushed by the feet of the treaders (Isaiah 63 ...
/w/wine.htm - 68k

Vintage (14 Occurrences)
... is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall
be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread ...
/v/vintage.htm - 11k

Treadest (2 Occurrences)

/t/treadest.htm - 6k

Roareth (9 Occurrences)
... from the high place doth roar, And from His holy habitation giveth forth His voice,
He surely roareth for His habitation, A shout as of treaders down, God ...
/r/roareth.htm - 9k

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fountain of the treaders; ie, "foot-fountain;" also called
the "fullers' fountain," because fullers here trod the clothes in water. ...
/e/enrogel.htm - 15k

En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fountain of the treaders; ie, "foot-fountain;" also called
the "fullers' fountain," because fullers here trod the clothes in water. ...
/e/en-rogel.htm - 15k

Plentiful (17 Occurrences)
... is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall
be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread ...
/p/plentiful.htm - 11k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus