Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:37

What does Matthew 9:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:37 means

Moved by compassion, Jesus declares to His disciples that "The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few." This agricultural metaphor highlights the abundant opportunity for spiritual growth and drawing people into the Kingdom, but contrasts it with the scarcity of those willing to do the arduous work. This statement serves as both an observation of present reality and a challenge to His followers to recognize the urgent need for evangelism and spiritual care, emphasizing the vastness of the spiritual task at hand.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he said to his disciples, There is much grain but not enough men to get it in.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then saith he to his disciples, `The harvest indeed <FI>is<Fi> abundant, but the workmen few;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then he saith to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then saith he to his disciples, The harvest [is] great and the workmen [are] few;

Context

This verse presents Jesus' critical assessment of the spiritual need, expressed directly to His disciples. It builds directly upon His compassionate observation of the distressed multitudes, providing a concrete evaluation of the immense spiritual task. This declaration of a plentiful harvest but few laborers sets the stage for His imperative command in the next verse, instructing His disciples on how to address this imbalance.

v.36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.

v.37This passage

v.38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 4:35

    Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest.

  • Acts 16:9

    And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

  • Psalms 68:11

    The Lord giveth the word: The women that publish the tidings are a great host.

  • Matthew 28:19

    Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

  • Acts 18:10

    for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee: for I have much people in this city.

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