Menu

Matthew 9:38

Matthew 9:38 in Multiple Translations

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

Make prayer, then, to the Lord of the grain-fields, that he may send out workers to get in his grain.

Pray to the Lord of the harvest, and ask him to send more workers for his harvest.”

Wherefore pray the Lord of the haruest, that he woulde sende foorth labourers into his haruest.

beseech ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he may put forth workmen to His harvest.'

Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest.

So pray and ask the Lord God to send more workers who will gather people together and teach them my message, just like a landowner sends workers into his field to gather the [MET] harvest.”

So you have to ask God to send more workers out to tell everyone about me, just like the farmer has to ask for more workers for his crop.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 9:38

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 9:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK δεηθητε ουν του κυριου του θερισμου οπως εκβαλη εργατας εις τον θερισμον αυτου
δεηθητε deomai G1189 to pray Verb-AOM-2P
ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
κυριου kurios G2962 lord: God Noun-GSM
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
θερισμου therismos G2326 harvest Noun-GSM
οπως hopōs G3704 that Adv
εκβαλη ekballō G1544 to expel Verb-2AAS-3S
εργατας ergatēs G2040 worker Noun-APM
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM
θερισμον therismos G2326 harvest Noun-ASM
αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Matthew 9:38

δεηθητε deomai G1189 "to pray" Verb-AOM-2P
To pray or beg for something, often used to describe asking for help or forgiveness, like in Acts 26:3 and Luke 5:12.
Definition: δέομαι (mid. of δέω, II, which see, as depon.) [in LXX for חנן, etc. ;] to want for oneself; __1. to want, need: __(a) absol.; __(b) with genitive __2. to beg, request, beseech, pray; __(i) in general: absol., Act.26:3, WH; with genitive of person(s), Luk.5:12; 8:28; 38 (ἐδεῖτο; T, ἐδέετο, cf. Veitch, see word δέω) 9:38, Act.8:34; 21:39, 2Co.5:20, Gal.4:12; before ἵνα, Luk.9:40; before τό, with inf., 2Co.10:2; with genitive of person(s) and of thing(s), 2Co.8:4; __(ii) of prayer to God: absol., Act.4:31; before εἴ πως, Rom.1:10; ἵνα, Luk.21:36; 22:32; εἰς τό, 1Th.3:10; ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τ. κύριον, ὅπως, Act.8:24; with genitive, τοῦ κυρίου, ὅπως, Mat.9:38, Luk.10:2; τοῦ Θεοῦ, Act.10:2; before εἰ ἄρα, Act.8:22.† SYN.: αἰτέω, and cf. δέησις. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 22 NT verses. KJV: beseech, pray (to), make request See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Galatians 4:12; Romans 1:10.
ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj
This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.
Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κυριου kurios G2962 "lord: God" Noun-GSM
The Greek word for lord or master, used to address God or a person in authority, showing respect and power. In the New Testament, it appears in Matthew 9:38 and Mark 12:9. It signifies a controller or ruler.
Definition: κύριος, -α, -ον (also -ος, -ον), [in LXX (subst.) chiefly for יהוה, also for בַּעַל ,אָדוֹן, etc. ;] having power (κῦρος) or authority; as subst., ὁ κ., lord, master; __1. in general: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.9:38 20:8, Mrk.12:9 13:35, Luk.19:33; τ. σαββάτου, Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:28, Luk.6:5; with genitive of person(s), δούλου, etc., Mat.10:24, Luk.14:21, Act.16:16, al.; absol, opposite to οἱ δοῦλοι, Eph.6:5, 9 al.; of the Emperor (Deiss., LAE, 161), Act.25:26; θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κ. πολλοί, 1Co.8:5; of a husband, 1Pe.3:6; in voc, as a title of respect to masters, teachers, magistrates, etc., Mat.13:27 16:22 27:63, Mrk.7:28, Luk.5:12, Jhn.4:11, Act.9:5, al. __2. As a divine title (frequently in π.; Deiss., LAE, 353 ff.); in NT, __(a) of God: ὁ κ., Mat.5:33, Mrk.5:19, Luk.1:6, Act.7:33, Heb.8:2, Jas.4:15, al.; anarth. (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.21:9, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:17, Heb.7:21, 1Pe.1:25, al.; κ. τ. οὐρανοῦ καὶ τ. γῆς, Mat.11:25; τ. κυριευόντων, 1Ti.6:15; κ. ὁ θεός, Mat.4:7, 10 al.; id. before παντοκράτωρ, Rev.4:8; κ. σαβαώθ, Rom.9:29; (ὁ) ἄγγελος κυρίου, Mat.1:20 2:13, Luk.1:11, al.; πνεῦμα κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.8:39; __(b) of the Christ: Mat.21:3, Mrk.11:3, Luk.1:43 20:44, al.; of Jesus after his resurrection (Dalman, Words, 330), Act.10:36, Rom.14:8, 1Co.7:22, Eph.4:5, al.; ὁ κ. μου, Jhn.20:28; ὁ κ. Ἰησοῦς, Act.1:21, 1Co.11:23, al.; id. before Χριστός, Eph.1:2, al.; ὁ κ. ἡμῶν, 1Ti.1:14, Heb.7:14, al.; id. before Ἰησοῦς, 1Th.3:11, Heb.13:20, al.; Χριστός, Rom.16:18; Ἰ Χ., 1Co.1:2, 1Th.1:3, al.; Ἰ. Χ. (Χ. Ἰ) ὁ κ. (ἡμῶν), Rom.1:4, Col.2:6, Eph.3:11, al.; ὁ κ. καὶ ὁ σωτὴρ, 2Pe.3:2; id. before Ἰ. Χ., ib. 18; anarth., 1Co.7:22, 25 Jas.5:4, al.; κ. κυρίων, Rev.19:16; with prep., ἀπὸ (κατὰ, πρὸς, σὺν, etc.) κ., Col.3:24, al. SYN: see: δεσπότης. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 686 NT verses. KJV: God, Lord, master, Sir See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
θερισμου therismos G2326 "harvest" Noun-GSM
The Greek word for harvest, referring to the act or time of reaping a crop, as seen in Jesus' parables in Matthew 13:30 and 39. It can also mean the crop itself, symbolizing a spiritual harvest.
Definition: θερισμός, -οῦ, ὁ (θερίζω), [in LXX chiefly for קָצִיר ;] harvest; __(a) the act: Jhn.4:35; __(b) the time: fig., Mat.13:30, 39, Mrk.4:29 __(with) the crop: figuratively, Mat.9:37-38, Luk.10:2, Rev.14:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: harvest See also: John 4:35; Matthew 9:38; Revelation 14:15.
οπως hopōs G3704 "that" Adv
This word means 'that' or 'how' and is used to show the manner or purpose of something, like in Matthew 6:2 and Acts 9:17. It can also mean 'in order that' or 'to the end that'.
Definition: ὅπως __I. Relat. adv. of manner, as, how: with indic., Luk.24:20. __II. Conj., with subjc. (in cl. also with opt., indic.: so in Mat.26:59, LT, Tr.), in order that, to the end that, that; __1. final, denoting purpose or design (in which the original idea of modality has been merged): after pres., Mat.6:2, al.; pf., Act.9:17, al.; impf., Act.9:24; aor., Act.9:2, al.; plpf., Jhn.11:57; fut., Mat.23:35; imperat., Mat.2:8, al.; ὅ. μή (M, Pr., 185), Mat.6:18, Luk.16:26, Act.20:16, 1Co.1:29; ὅ. πληρωθῇ, Mat.2:23 8:17 13:35; ὅ. ἄν (B1., § 65, 2; WM, § 42, 5), Luk.2:35, Act.3:19 15:17, Rom.3:4 (cf. Gen.12:13, Psa.59:7. 1Mac 1032, al.). __2. After verbs of asking, exhorting, etc.: Mat.9:38, Luk.7:3, Jas.5:16, al. (in late writers its place is often taken by the correl. πῶς, which see) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 56 NT verses. KJV: because, how, (so) that, to, when See also: 1 Corinthians 1:29; Luke 11:37; 1 Peter 2:9.
εκβαλη ekballō G1544 "to expel" Verb-2AAS-3S
To expel means to forcefully drive or send something out, as seen in Matthew 7:22 and Mark 1:34. Jesus used this word when describing casting out demons. It can also mean to send away or put out, as in Matthew 15:17.
Definition: ἐκ-βάλλω [in LXX chiefly for גָּרַשׁ pi., also for שָׁלַךְ hi., יָצָא hi., יָרַשׁ hi., etc. ;] __1. to drive, cast or send out, to expel: with accusative of thing(s), mid. (σῖτον), before εἰς, Act.27:38; pass., Mat.15:17; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:12, Mrk.11:15, al.; δαιμόνια, Mat.7:22, Mrk.1:34, al.; id. before ἐκ, Mrk.7:26; παρά, Mrk.16:9; ἐν, Mrk.3:22; (ἐν) τ. ὀνόματι, Mat.7:22, Mrk.9:38; λόγῳ, Mat.8:16; before ἔξω, Jhn.6:37; id. with genitive, Mrk.12:8, al.; of expulsion from home, Gal.4:30; from the Church, III Jn 10. __2. In LXX and NT (like Heb. יָצָא and Aram. הַנְפֵּק), to command or cause to depart: Mat.9:38, Mrk.1:12 (see Swete, in l.), ib. Mrk.1:43 5:40, Luk.10:2, Jas.2:25; τ. κρίσιν εἰς νῖκος (to cause to proceed to its goal), Mat.12:20 (LXX). __3. to reject (cl.): τ. ὄνομα ὑμῶς ὡς πονηρόν (cf. Deu.25:14), Luk.6:22; to leave out, Rev.11:2. __4. to take, draw or pluck out; __(a) with violence: Mat.7:5, Mrk.9:47, Luk.6:42; __(b) to bring forth or out of: Mat.12:35, Luk.10:35. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 76 NT verses. KJV: bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out) See also: 3 John 1:10; Mark 3:23; James 2:25.
εργατας ergatēs G2040 "worker" Noun-APM
This word means worker or laborer, often describing a field worker or husbandman. In the Bible, it is used to describe various types of workers, including Christian teachers and preachers.
Definition: ἐργάτης, -ου, ὁ (ἐργάζομαι, which see), [in LXX: Wis.17:17, Sir.19:1 40:18, 1Ma.3:6 * ;] __1. prop., a field labourer, husbandman: Mat.9:37-38 20:1-2, 8, Luk.10:2, Jas.5:4 (cf. Wis, l.with). __2. Generally, a workman, labourer: Mat.10:10, Luk.10:7, Act.19:25 (opposite to τεχνίτης), 1Ti.5:18; of Christian teachers, 2Co.11:13, Php.3:2, 2Ti.2:15. __3. a worker, doer: τ. ἀδικίας, Luk.13:27 (cf. 1Mac, l.with).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: labourer, worker(-men) See also: 1 Timothy 5:18; Luke 13:27; James 5:4.
εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep
This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.
Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.
τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
θερισμον therismos G2326 "harvest" Noun-ASM
The Greek word for harvest, referring to the act or time of reaping a crop, as seen in Jesus' parables in Matthew 13:30 and 39. It can also mean the crop itself, symbolizing a spiritual harvest.
Definition: θερισμός, -οῦ, ὁ (θερίζω), [in LXX chiefly for קָצִיר ;] harvest; __(a) the act: Jhn.4:35; __(b) the time: fig., Mat.13:30, 39, Mrk.4:29 __(with) the crop: figuratively, Mat.9:37-38, Luk.10:2, Rev.14:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: harvest See also: John 4:35; Matthew 9:38; Revelation 14:15.
αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Matthew 9:38

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Luke 10:1–2 After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.
2 Jeremiah 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
3 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.
4 Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
5 John 20:21 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”
6 Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
7 Micah 5:7 Then the remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind.
8 Psalms 68:11 The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it:
9 Ephesians 4:11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
10 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Matthew 9:38 Summary

Matthew 9:38 is a call to prayer, asking God to send out workers to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it. Jesus teaches us that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, so we must pray for God to send out more workers (Matthew 9:37). This means that we should be praying for God to call and equip people to serve Him, and also being open to the possibility that He may be calling us to be one of those workers (as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:6). By praying and being obedient, we can be a part of bringing in the harvest and seeing people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'ask the Lord of the harvest' in Matthew 9:38?

This means to pray to God, who is the Lord of the harvest, to send out workers to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it, as seen in Matthew 9:37 where Jesus says the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Why are we instructed to ask the Lord of the harvest for workers instead of just going out and doing the work ourselves?

We are instructed to ask the Lord of the harvest for workers because it is God who calls and equips people for ministry, as seen in Romans 10:15 where it says 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' - God is the one who prepares and sends out workers.

How can I be one of the workers that the Lord of the harvest sends out?

To be one of the workers, you must first have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and then be obedient to His call to serve, as seen in Matthew 4:19 where Jesus says 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men' - we must be willing to follow and serve Him.

What is the harvest that Jesus is talking about in Matthew 9:38?

The harvest refers to the large number of people who are ready to hear and respond to the Gospel, as seen in John 4:35 where Jesus says 'the fields are already white for harvest' - it is a time of great spiritual opportunity and urgency.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can be praying for workers to be sent out into the harvest, and how can I be a part of the answer to that prayer?
  2. How can I be more aware of the harvest that is all around me, and what are some ways that I can be involved in bringing in that harvest?
  3. What are some things that might be holding me back from being a worker in the harvest, and how can I overcome those obstacles?
  4. How can I be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance as I consider my role in the harvest?
  5. What are some ways that I can be supporting and encouraging other workers in the harvest, and how can we work together to bring in the harvest?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,.... By "the Lord of the harvest" is either meant God the Father, whose are all the elect, who has a hearty concern for them, and will have them all gathered

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest - the great Lord and Proprietor of all.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 9:38

Ver. 37,38. The plain sense of these two verses is this: John the Baptist and Christ had now been preaching for some time, God inclined the hearts of great multitudes to follow both the one and the other; there was a great people prepared for the Lord: , From the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven had suffered violence, and the violent took it by force; men were exceeding fond of hearing the gospel. The fields were white to the harvest, as our Saviour expresses it, . But there were few that would faithfully deliver the mind of God; there were abundance of idle Pharisees, and scribes, and priests, that spent their time in teaching people their rites, and ceremonies, and traditions, but the labourers were few; such must be God’ s gift to the people, and they must be thrust out. No arguments will be sufficient to persuade men to the weighty work of the ministry, with an intention to fulfil it, but the power of God inclining their hearts to it. You had need therefore pray unto God that he would send, nay, that he would ekbalh, thrust out, labourers into his harvest. 1. The inclination and desire of multitudes to hear Divine truth is God’ s harvest. 2. Ministers’ work is a labour, ; if rightly discharged, it must be with labour. 3. God is the Lord of the harvest; ministers ought to look upon him as so. 4. None ought to thrust themselves into the work of the ministry, till God thrust them out, . 5. There always were but a few labourers in God’ s harvest. Hence Chrysostom thought that but a few ministers would be saved. Our Saviour in this chapter prefaces his work of which we shall discourse in the next chapter, viz. his sending forth his twelve apostles.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 9:38

38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Ver. 38. Labourers into his harvest] Harvestmen, of all others, have the hardest labour, a sore sweating labour. So have faithful ministers. "The householder hath somewhat to do," said Luther, "the magistrate more, but the minister most of all. He labours more in a day many times, than the husbandman doth in a month. The sweat of the brow is nothing to that of the brain; the former furthers health, the latter impairs it, wearying and wearing out the body: wasting the vitals, and hastening old age and untimely death:" Labores Ecclesiastici alterani corpus, et tanquam ex imis medullis succum ex hauriunt, senium mortemque accelerant.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 9:38

(38) The Lord of the harvest—i.e., the Father who had sent Him to be the Sower of the divine seed, and who, through Him, was about to send forth the labourers.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 9:38

Verse 38. That he will send forth labourers] οπωςεκβαλληεργατας, that he would thrust forth labourers. Those who are fittest for the work are generally most backward to the employment. The man who is forward to become a preacher knows little of God, of human nature, or of his own heart. It is, God's province to thrust out such preachers as shall labour; and it is our duty to entreat him to do so. A minister of Christ is represented as a day-labourer: he comes into the harvest, not to become lord of it, not to live on the labour of others, but to work, and to labour his day. Though the work may be very severe, yet, to use a familiar expression, there is good wages in the harvest-home; and the day, though hot, is but a short one. How earnestly should the flock of Christ pray to the good Shepherd to send them pastors after his own heart, who will feed them with knowledge, and who shall be the means of spreading the knowledge of his truth and the savour of his grace over the face of the whole earth! The subject of fasting, already slightly noticed in the preceding notes, should be farther considered. In all countries, and under all religions, fasting has not only been considered a duty, but also of extraordinary virtue to procure blessings, and to avert evils. Hence it has often been practised with extraordinary rigour, and abused to the most superstitious purposes. There are twelve kinds of fasts among the Hindoos: - 1. The person neither eats nor drinks for a day and night. This fast is indispensable, and occurs twenty-nine times in the year. 2. The person fasts during the day, and eats at night. 3. The person eats nothing but fruits, and drinks milk or water. 4. He eats once during the day and night. 5. Eats one particular kind of food during the day and night, but as often as he pleases. 6. Called Chanderaym, which is, to eat on the first day, only one mouthful; two on the second; and thus continue increasing one mouthful every day for a month, and then decreasing a mouthful every day, till he leaves off where he began. 7. The person neither eats nor drinks for twelve days. 8. Lasts twelve days: the first three days he eats a little once in the day; the next three, he eats only once in the night; the next three, he eats nothing, unless it be brought to him; and, during the last three days, he neither eats nor drinks. 9. Lasts fifteen days. For three days and three nights, he eats only one handful at night; the next three days and nights, he eats one handful if it be brought him, if not, he takes nothing. Then he eats nothing for three days and three nights. The next three days and nights he takes only a handful of warm water each day.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 9:38

38. send forth] The original word is more forcible, implying a strong impulse; it is used Mark 1:12. “The spirit driveth him into the wilderness;” and frequently of casting out evil spirits, also of casting into outer darkness (ch. Matthew 25:30).

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 9:38

38. Pray ye therefore — For though it be the act of God, it depends upon the prayer of man. Divine operation waits upon human co-operation. God will do, m answer to prayer, what will not be done without prayer.

Sermons on Matthew 9:38

SermonDescription
Paris Reidhead Intercession in Prayer by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer in the mission of spreading the word of God. The key message is that the responsibility to pray for
J. Edwin Orr Tuesday #1 Revival in Early America by J. Edwin Orr In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of Christianity and moral values in America during the time of the American Revolution. He mentions that many influential figures
J. Edwin Orr Chapel of the Air - Characteristics of Revival by J. Edwin Orr In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of revivals in the past and what he would like to see God do among the American people. He emphasizes the importance of having a bu
J. Edwin Orr The Power of the Holy Spirit by J. Edwin Orr In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to convey his message. He starts by talking about a farmer and his tractor, highlighting the importance of having the right
Oswald J. Smith World Missions in the 80's by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sending laborers into the harvest fields of the world to spread the gospel. He shares a personal story about the impact of
Bill McLeod The Canadian Revival - Part 10 by Bill McLeod This sermon emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God's promises and the power of prayer for revival. It shares stories of individuals who believed in God's plans for re
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Matthew 10-11 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving and serving others as if we are doing it for the Lord. He references the verse about giving a cup of cold water in t

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate