Definition
Matthew 9:37 is a verse in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, located in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 37. In most English translations it reads: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’”
Overview
The verse occurs within a narrative in which Jesus heals a paralytic, calls Matthew to discipleship, and teaches about the kingdom of heaven. After performing several miracles, Jesus addresses his disciples, using the agricultural metaphor of a harvest to illustrate the abundance of people ready to receive his message and the relative scarcity of those equipped to minister to them. The statement serves as a prelude to the subsequent instruction to pray for laborers (Matthew 9:38) and is often cited in theological discussions concerning evangelism and missionary work.
Etymology/Origin
- Scriptural source: The verse is part of the Gospel of Matthew, traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, though modern scholarship generally dates its composition to the late first century CE.
- Original language: The original text was written in Koine Greek. The Greek phrase is “Ἡ σπείρωσις πολλή ἐστιν, οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι” (Hē speirōsis pollē estin, hoi de ergatai oligoi).
- Title origin: The citation “Matthew 9:37” follows the conventional biblical referencing system: book name, chapter number, and verse number.
Characteristics
- Literary form: A declarative statement employing a metaphor (harvest) to convey spiritual truth.
- Thematic focus: Highlights two contrasting elements—abundance of potential converts (“the harvest”) and insufficiency of ministers (“the workers”).
- Theological implications: Frequently interpreted as a call to evangelistic activity, emphasizing the need for disciples to pray for and become laborers in spreading the gospel.
- Liturgical use: The verse appears in various Christian liturgies, sermons, and devotional literature, often as an exhortation for mission work.
- Variations in translation: While the core meaning remains consistent, wording may differ among translations (e.g., “workers are few” vs. “laborers are few”).
Related Topics
- Gospel of Matthew
- New Testament studies
- Christian evangelism and missions
- Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13)
- Biblical metaphors of agriculture
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19‑20)
- The role of prayer in ministry (Matthew 9:38)