Topical Bible: Agriculture or Farming: Persons Engaged In, Called: Labourers

Bible > Topical > Agriculture or Farming

◄ Agriculture or Farming: Persons Engaged In, Called: Labourers ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, agriculture and farming are foundational activities that sustain life and community. The Bible frequently references those who work the land, often referring to them as "labourers." These individuals play a crucial role in the agrarian society depicted throughout the Scriptures, where farming is not only a means of sustenance but also a metaphor for spiritual truths.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous references to agricultural practices and the laborers involved. From the very beginning, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to "work it and keep it" (Genesis 2:15), establishing the divine mandate for humans to engage in agricultural labor. The Israelites, as a people, were deeply connected to the land, which was seen as a gift from God. The Promised Land was described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), emphasizing its agricultural abundance.

Labourers in the Old Testament were often part of a larger household or community structure. The Book of Ruth provides a vivid depiction of agricultural life, where Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz during the barley harvest (Ruth 2:2-3). This practice of gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law to support the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths. Labourers in the field become a metaphor for those who work in God's kingdom. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38). Here, the labourers are those who spread the Gospel and work for the spiritual harvest.

The parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) further illustrates the role of labourers, highlighting themes of grace and the kingdom of heaven. In this parable, the landowner hires workers at different times of the day, yet pays them all the same wage, symbolizing God's generosity and the equal value of all who labor in His service.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Labourers in agriculture are often depicted as humble and diligent, reflecting virtues esteemed in biblical teaching. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, draws parallels between physical and spiritual labor, encouraging believers to be steadfast and hardworking. In 2 Timothy 2:6, Paul writes, "The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops" , underscoring the reward for diligent labor.

The biblical portrayal of labourers in agriculture serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual work. It emphasizes the importance of diligence, stewardship, and reliance on God's provision. Throughout Scripture, the imagery of sowing and reaping, planting and harvesting, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual truths of growth, perseverance, and divine reward.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 9:37
Then said he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 20:1
For the kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chaldaean Civilization
... Farming and cultivation of the ground: landmarks, slaves, and ... alone required almost
as many persons as there ... and the pay of the workmen engaged in executing ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm