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    Bringing in the Sheaves

    Knowles Shaw 1874 Tune: Bringing in the Sheaves (12.9.12.9 with refrain)

    A harvest-time gospel hymn of sowing in tears and reaping in joy.

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    Quick Answer

    A harvest-time gospel hymn of sowing in tears and reaping in joy. Written by Knowles Shaw (1874), set to the tune "Bringing in the Sheaves" by George A. Minor.

    Suggested pairing scripture

    Psalm 126:5-6

    "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

    Read Psalm 126:5-6 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Bringing in the Sheaves." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

    Read in context

    When to sing this

    Sing in regular congregational worship, in family devotions, and any time the heart turns to God in song.

    Lyrics

    Stanza 1

    Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves; Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

    Stanza 2

    Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows, Fearing neither clouds nor winter's chilling breeze; By and by the harvest, and the labor ended, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

    Stanza 3

    Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master, Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves; When our weeping's over, He will bid us welcome, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

    History & Background

    Written by Knowles Shaw, the 'Singing Evangelist,' in 1874, based on Psalm 126:5-6. The familiar tune by George A. Minor was published in 1880, replacing Shaw's original melody and quickly becoming the standard. Famously sung in the closing scene of the John Ford film 'Stagecoach' (1939).

    Scripture Behind the Hymn

    Psalm 126:5-6

    "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
    Read in context

    Galatians 6:9

    "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
    Read in context

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a 'sheaf'?

    A sheaf is a bundle of harvested grain stalks tied together. The image comes from Psalm 126:6, where the weeping sower returns home rejoicing under the weight of the harvest he has gathered.

    Related Hymns

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    Where to go next

    Enjoyed "Bringing in the Sheaves"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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