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    Harvest

    θερισμός (Therismos)

    The harvest — a gathering of crops, and metaphor for gathering souls into God's kingdom.

    Greek
    Strong's G2326
    Pronunciation: theh-ris-MAHS
    Quick Answer

    The Greek word therismos means harvest or reaping, used by Jesus as a powerful metaphor for the gathering of souls into the kingdom of God.

    "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." — Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Matthew 9:37-38

    “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
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    John 4:35

    “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
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    Galatians 6:9

    “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G2326 — Harvest (θερισμός (Therismos))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where θερισμός (Therismos) appears.

    Open Strong's G2326

    The Meaning of Therismos

    Therismos refers to the harvest — the gathering of ripe crops from the field. In an agrarian society, harvest was the climactic season of the year, the purpose of all previous labor. Jesus adopted this imagery to describe the spiritual gathering of people into God's kingdom. The harvest metaphor conveys urgency, readiness, and the need for laborers.

    The Urgency of the Harvest

    Jesus looked at the crowds and saw a harvest ready for reaping. He urged His disciples to pray for workers because the harvest was plentiful but laborers were few. This call echoes through the centuries — every generation faces the same reality: fields white unto harvest and a pressing need for those willing to go and gather.

    Sowing and Reaping

    The principle of harvest extends beyond evangelism to all of life. Galatians 6:7-9 teaches that we reap what we sow — in character, relationships, and spiritual life. This is both a warning and an encouragement. Those who sow to the Spirit will reap eternal life; those who persevere in doing good will harvest blessing in due season.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does harvest mean in the Bible?

    In the Bible, harvest (therismos) refers to the gathering of crops and serves as a metaphor for gathering souls into God's kingdom. Jesus used it to describe the urgency of evangelism and the readiness of people to receive the gospel.

    What does 'the harvest is plentiful' mean?

    Jesus was saying that many people are ready to receive the gospel, but there are not enough workers willing to go out and share it. It is a call to prayer and action for believers to participate in God's work.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Harvest"?

    Matthew 9:37-38 — "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (KJV). It also appears in John 4:35, Galatians 6:9.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Harvest" matter?

    Therismos refers to the harvest — the gathering of ripe crops from the field. English uses one word, "Harvest", where the Greek θερισμός (Therismos) carries the fuller sense: the harvest — a gathering of crops, and metaphor for gathering souls into god's kingdom.

    Related Words

    Seed
    Kingdom (Basileia)
    Call (Kaleō)
    Servant (Doulos)

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Harvest (θερισμός (Therismos))

    The harvest — a gathering of crops, and metaphor for gathering souls into God's kingdom.

    Strong's

    Strong's G2326 — Harvest

    θερισμός (Therismos) • The harvest — a gathering of crops, and metaphor for gathering souls into God's kingdom.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Fish in a Dream (KJV)

    Souls, provision, and the harvest of the gospel.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Rain in a Dream (KJV)

    Blessing, revival, and the Word of God.

    Commentary

    John 4:35 Commentary

    In-depth study • Spiritual Harvest

    Commentary

    Philippians 3:13-14 Commentary

    In-depth study • Spiritual Growth & Purpose

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