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

MATTHEW 9:38KJV
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Matthew 9:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:38 mean?

Matthew 9:38 urges Jesus’ listeners to pray to God, described as the “Lord of the harvest,” asking Him to send more workers to gather people into His kingdom. The verse highlights the need for more people willing to help share God’s message and care for others.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after seeing crowds of people in need, both physically and spiritually. He uses the image of a harvest to describe the many people ready to hear and respond to God, but points out that there are not enough “labourers” to help them. Jesus’ instruction to pray shows that the work depends on God’s initiative, not just human effort.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:38

  • “Lord” (Κύριος, Kyrios): This word means master or owner, emphasizing God’s authority over the harvest and the workers. Jesus is pointing to God as the one in charge of sending help.
  • “Harvest” (θερισμός, therismos): This term refers to the gathering of crops, used here as a picture for people who are ready to receive God’s message. It suggests a sense of urgency and opportunity.
  • “Send forth” (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō): This word often means to drive out or send out forcefully. The sense here is not just a gentle invitation, but a strong sending—God actively appoints and sends workers into the world.

Why Matthew 9:38 matters

  • Matthew 9:38 clarifies that the need for more workers is not just a human problem; Jesus directs prayer to God as the one who provides and sends help.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and His desire for His followers to join in caring for others.
  • The image of the harvest highlights both the readiness of people to respond and the importance of timely action, reminding readers that opportunities to help and share are significant and not to be missed.

Where else these words appear

“harvest” Greek G2326 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
  • Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
  • Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

“labourers” Greek G2040 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

“ye” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Acts 26:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

“that” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.