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.