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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Plows</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/plows.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_corinthians/9-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/plows.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Plows</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/plowmen.htm" title="Plowmen">◄</a> Plows <a href="/topical/p/plowshare.htm" title="Plowshare">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Description:</b> <br>A plow is an agricultural implement used for cutting, lifting, turning over, and partly pulverizing soil. In biblical times, plows were essential tools for preparing the ground for sowing seeds. The basic design consisted of a wooden frame with a metal or wooden blade, drawn by oxen or other draft animals. The plow was a symbol of agricultural life and sustenance, representing the hard work and diligence required to cultivate the land.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b> <br>Plows are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing peace, productivity, and the transformation of tools of war into instruments of agriculture. In <a href="/isaiah/2-4.htm">Isaiah 2:4</a> , the prophet envisions a future where nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," signifying a time of peace and prosperity. This imagery is echoed in <a href="/micah/4-3.htm">Micah 4:3</a> , reinforcing the hope for a world where conflict is replaced by cultivation and growth.<br><br>In <a href="/1_samuel/13-20.htm">1 Samuel 13:20-21</a> , the Israelites are described as going down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles, highlighting the dependence on neighboring peoples for essential agricultural tools. This passage underscores the importance of plows in daily life and the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their agricultural practices.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:</b> <br>The plow is often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. In <a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Luke 9:62</a> , Jesus states, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This teaching emphasizes the commitment and focus required to follow Christ, likening the Christian journey to the steady and forward-moving task of plowing a field.<br><br>In the Old Testament, the plow also serves as a symbol of judgment and renewal. <a href="/jeremiah/4-3.htm">Jeremiah 4:3</a> calls the people to "break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns," urging them to prepare their hearts for repentance and spiritual renewal. This metaphor highlights the need for spiritual readiness and the removal of obstacles that hinder growth.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b> <br>In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the plow was a vital tool for survival. The design and materials of plows varied depending on the region and available resources. Typically, a plow would be pulled by a pair of oxen, as seen in the account of Elisha's call to ministry in <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a> , where he is found plowing with twelve yoke of oxen.<br><br>The transition from wooden to metal plowshares marked a significant advancement in agricultural technology, allowing for more efficient cultivation of the land. This development is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the sharpening and maintenance of plowshares are noted as important tasks.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b> <br>The plow, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just an agricultural tool; it is a powerful symbol of labor, transformation, and spiritual readiness. Its presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the diligence required in both physical and spiritual endeavors, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and focused in their walk with God.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6398.htm"><span class="l">6398. palach -- to cleave</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin a prim. root Definition to cleave NASB Word Usage bring forth (1),<br> pierces through (1), <b>plows</b> (1), sliced (1), splits my open (1). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6398.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/drummond/stones_rolled_away_and_other_addresses_to_young_men/vii_the_three_elements_of.htm"><span class="l">The Three Elements of a Complete Life</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It was the hammer and the plane. He was making chairs and tables and <b>plows</b> and yokes.<br> That is to say, the highest conceivable life is in doing work. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../vii the three elements of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/marshall/the_wonder_book_of_bible_stories/the_story_of_noah_and.htm"><span class="l">The Story of Noah and the Ark</span></a> <br><b>...</b> All the people in the time of Enoch were not shepherds. Some of them had<br> learned how to make rude bows and arrows and axes and <b>plows</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of noah and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_on_service/living_up_in_the_spirit.htm"><span class="l">Living up in the Spirit Realm.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But I'ma fisherman. When it comes to yokes and <b>plows</b> I'll gladly yield to you.<br> But fishing"you see, I've been fishing ever since I was a boy. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/living up in the spirit.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lathbury/childs_story_of_the_bible/chapter_iv_the_boy_of.htm"><span class="l">The Boy of Nazareth.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Here, perhaps, the Holy Child played with the curled shavings that fell from the<br> bench, and watched the making of the <b>plows</b>, the yokes, the doors, and the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iv the boy of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lathbury/childs_story_of_the_bible/chapter_v_the_young_carpenter.htm"><span class="l">The Young Carpenter.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> houses of Nazareth, but they were finished with wood, and wood was used not only<br> for boats, tables, benches, yokes and carts, but also for <b>plows</b>, saddles, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v the young carpenter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_d/the_master_rejected_the_servants.htm"><span class="l">The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth</span></a> <br><b>...</b> dead, and, if so, Jesus would be the head of the house, and probably the 'breadwinner.'<br> One of the fathers preserves the tradition that He 'made <b>plows</b> and yokes <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the master rejected the servants.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/the_worlds_great_sermons_volume_10/cadman__a_new_day.htm"><span class="l">Cadman -- a New Day for Missions</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Almighty has placed our hand on the greatest of His <b>plows</b>, in whose furrow<br> the nations I have named are germinating religiously. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/cadman a new day.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_35_1889/the_mediatorthe_interpreter.htm"><span class="l">The Mediator --The Interpreter</span></a> <br><b>...</b> temple. Fear <b>plows</b> deep, and then faith sows, and love reaps; but godly fear<br> must lead the way. <b>...</b> heart. It <b>plows</b>, but it does not sow. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mediatorthe interpreter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_34_1888/sown_among_thorns.htm"><span class="l">Sown among Thorns</span></a> <br><b>...</b> law. We shall never get rid of thorns with <b>plows</b> that scratch the surface.<br> Those fields grow the best corn which are best plowed. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/sown among thorns.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bangs/a_history_of_the_methodist_episcopal_church_volume_iii/chapter_6_from_the_close.htm"><span class="l">From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning <b>...</b></span></a> <br>A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume III. <. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/plows.htm"><span class="l"><b>Plows</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Plows</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who <b>plows</b> ought<br> to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/plows.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/plow.htm"><span class="l">Plow (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> This is partly because there is every reason to believe that the <b>plows</b> still used<br> throughout Egypt, Palestine, and Syria are counterparts of the ancient ones. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/plow.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gang.htm"><span class="l">Gang (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4. (n.) A combination of similar implements arranged so as, by acting together,<br> to save time or labor; a set; as, a gang of saws, or of <b>plows</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gang.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/threshes.htm"><span class="l">Threshes (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who <b>plows</b> ought to plow in hope, and<br> he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. (WEB WEY NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/threshes.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/partake.htm"><span class="l">Partake (19 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who <b>plows</b> ought to plow in hope, and<br> he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. (WEB KJV WBS YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/partake.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/plowshare.htm"><span class="l">Plowshare (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/plowshare.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/plowmen.htm"><span class="l">Plowmen (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/plowmen.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/ploughman.htm"><span class="l">Ploughman (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who <b>plows</b>, or who holds and guides a plow;<br> hence, a husbandman. 2. (n.) A rustic; a countryman; a field laborer. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/ploughman.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/breaks.htm"><span class="l">Breaks (35 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 141:7 "As when one <b>plows</b> and breaks up the earth,<br> our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol." (WEB NAS NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/breaks.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/clods.htm"><span class="l">Clods (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (DBY). Isaiah 28:24 Does he who <b>plows</b> to sow plow continually? Does he keep<br> turning the soil and breaking the clods? (WEB KJV DBY WBS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/clods.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Plows (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">1 Corinthians 9:10</a></span><br />or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who <span class="boldtext">plows</span> ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Psalms 141:7</a></span><br />"As when one <span class="boldtext">plows</span> and breaks up the earth, our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol."<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/28-24.htm">Isaiah 28:24</a></span><br />Does he who <span class="boldtext">plows</span> to sow plow continually? Does he keep turning the soil and breaking the clods? <br /><span class="source">(WEB RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/plows.htm">Plows</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plowshares.htm">Plowshares (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/goad.htm">Goad (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mattocks.htm">Mattocks (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mattock.htm">Mattock (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plows.htm">Plows (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/colter.htm">Colter (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sickle.htm">Sickle (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/share.htm">Share (138 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sickles.htm">Sickles (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sharpen.htm">Sharpen (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ax.htm">Ax (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/axe.htm">Axe (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sharp.htm">Sharp (115 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/otherwise.htm">Otherwise (78 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines (224 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/criticism.htm">Criticism (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bible.htm">Bible</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/plowmen.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Plowmen"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Plowmen" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/plowshare.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Plowshare"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Plowshare" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>