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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>Matthew 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/9-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/40_Mat_09_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 9:37 - The Lord of the Harvest" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." /><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'; 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<a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then He says to His disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the workmen are few. <a href="/kjv/matthew/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; <a href="/nkjv/matthew/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/nasb/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then He said to His disciples, &#8220The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/lsb/matthew/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/amp/matthew/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/csb/matthew/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then He said to His disciples, &#8220The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. <a href="/asv/matthew/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. <a href="/cev/matthew/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He said to his disciples, "A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a few workers. <a href="/erv/matthew/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. <a href="/gwt/matthew/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is large, but the workers are few. <a href="/gnt/matthew/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> So he said to his disciples, "The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. <a href="/isv/matthew/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then he told his disciples, "The harvest is vast, but the workers are few. <a href="/msb/matthew/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then He said to His disciples, ?The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/net/matthew/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/nheb/matthew/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. <a href="/wbt/matthew/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then saith he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the reapers are few; <a href="/web/matthew/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> then He says to His disciples, “The harvest indeed [is] abundant, but the workmen few; <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then He says to His disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the workmen are few. <a href="/ylt/matthew/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> then saith he to his disciples, 'The harvest indeed is abundant, but the workmen few; <a href="/slt/matthew/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then he says to his disciples, Truly the harvest much, but the laborers few.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then he saith to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then he said to his disciples: “The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. <a href="/nabre/matthew/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So he said to his disciples, The harvest is great, and the laborers are few; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, and the labourers are few.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then he said to his disciples: The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. <a href="/godbey/matthew/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then He says to His disciples, <FR>The harvest truly is great and the laborers are few;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then said he to his disciples, The harvest indeed is abundant, but the labourers are few; <a href="/mace/matthew/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the harvest indeed is plentiful, but the labourers are few: <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the reapers are few; <a href="/worrell/matthew/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Then He saith to His disciples, <FR>"The harvest, indeed, is abundant, but the laborers few;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> upon which He saith to his disciples, <FR>The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers few:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/9-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2365" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm">The Lord of the Harvest</a> …36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">He said</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētais (N-DMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples,</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">“The</a> <a href="/greek/2326.htm" title="2326: therismos (N-NMS) -- Reaping, harvest; met: the harvest, crop. From therizo; reaping, i.e. The crop.">harvest</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polys (Adj-NMS) -- Much, many; often. ">is plentiful,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2040.htm" title="2040: ergatai (N-NMP) -- A field-laborer; then: a laborer, workman in general. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher.">workers</a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oligoi (Adj-NMP) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">are few.</a> 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Luke 10:2</a> 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. <a href="/john/4-35.htm">John 4:35</a> Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. <a href="/matthew/13-38.htm">Matthew 13:38</a> The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, <a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a> You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">2 Corinthians 9:10</a> Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a> Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7</a> Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. <a href="/revelation/14-15.htm">Revelation 14:15</a> Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest, for the crop of the earth is ripe.” <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a> Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” <a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10-11</a> For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. <a href="/jeremiah/8-20.htm">Jeremiah 8:20</a> “The harvest has passed, the summer has ended, but we have not been saved.” <a href="/hosea/6-11.htm">Hosea 6:11</a> Also for you, O Judah, a harvest is appointed, when I restore My people from captivity. <a href="/joel/3-13.htm">Joel 3:13</a> Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because their wickedness is great. <a href="/amos/9-13.htm">Amos 9:13</a> “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, with which all the hills will flow.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few;The harvest.<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a> Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:<a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Mark 16:15</a> And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.<a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Luke 10:2</a> 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.but.<a href="/psalms/68-11.htm">Psalm 68:11</a> The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.<a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">2 Corinthians 6:1</a> We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-47.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/matthew/9-19.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/8-8.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Few</a> <a href="/matthew/7-5.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/matthew/8-30.htm">Great</a> <a href="/haggai/1-6.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-10.htm">Laborers</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Plenteous</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-29.htm">Plentiful</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-18.htm">Reapers</a> <a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-9.htm">Workmen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/10-13.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/matthew/13-58.htm">Few</a> <a href="/matthew/9-38.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/matthew/12-15.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/9-38.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/matthew/10-13.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/matthew/9-38.htm">Laborers</a> <a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Plenteous</a> <a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Plentiful</a> <a href="/matthew/9-38.htm">Reapers</a> <a href="/matthew/9-38.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/matthew/9-38.htm">Workmen</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 9</div>1. <a href="/matthew/9-1.htm">Jesus heals a paralytic</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">eats with tax collectors and sinners;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">defends his disciples for not fasting;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/9-20.htm">cures the sick woman;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/9-23.htm">raises Jairus' daughter from death;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/9-27.htm">gives sight to two blind men;</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">heals a mute man possessed of a demon;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">and has compassion on the multitude.</a> </div></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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then He said to His disciples In this phrase, Jesus is addressing His closest followers, the disciples, who are being prepared for their future mission. This moment is part of a larger narrative where Jesus is actively teaching and performing miracles, demonstrating His authority and compassion. The disciples are being trained to continue His work, and this statement is a direct call to them, emphasizing their role in the mission field. The context here is crucial as it highlights the transition from Jesus' personal ministry to the broader mission of the Church.The harvest is plentiful The metaphor of the harvest is rich with Old Testament imagery, often used to describe God's gathering of His people (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/27-12.htm">Isaiah 27:12</a>, <a href="/joel/3-13.htm">Joel 3:13</a>). In an agrarian society, the harvest represents a time of abundance and fulfillment. Spiritually, it signifies the readiness of people to receive the Gospel. Jesus is indicating that there is a vast number of people prepared to hear and accept the message of the Kingdom. This phrase underscores the urgency and opportunity present in Jesus' ministry and the ongoing mission of the Church.But the workers are few This phrase highlights a critical issue: the lack of sufficient laborers to gather the spiritual harvest. Historically, this reflects the small number of Jesus' followers at the time compared to the vast population needing to hear the Gospel. It also serves as a call to action for believers to engage in evangelism and discipleship. The scarcity of workers is a recurring theme in the New Testament, urging the Church to pray for and raise up more laborers (see <a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Luke 10:2</a>). This shortage emphasizes the need for commitment and dedication among Jesus' followers to fulfill the Great Commission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples. He is the one who observes the spiritual state of the people and provides insight into the need for more workers in God's kingdom. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' statement. They are learners and followers of Jesus, being prepared to carry out His mission. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_harvest.htm">The Harvest</a> A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the readiness of people to receive the Gospel. It implies a time of gathering and reaping the spiritual fruits. 4. <a href="/topical/w/workers.htm">Workers</a> Those who are called to labor in God's field, spreading the Gospel and nurturing new believers. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a> While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is implied as the world or the community where the harvest is to be gathered.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_harvest.htm">Recognizing the Harvest</a> As believers, we must be aware of the spiritual readiness around us. The world is full of people who are seeking truth and hope, and we are called to be attentive to these opportunities. <a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_workers.htm">The Need for Workers</a> There is a significant need for more laborers in God's kingdom. This is a call to action for every believer to consider their role in spreading the Gospel. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_laborers.htm">Prayer for Laborers</a> Jesus' statement should prompt us to pray earnestly for more workers to be sent into the harvest. This includes praying for ourselves to be willing and equipped to serve. <a href="/topical/a/active_participation.htm">Active Participation</a> Each believer has a part to play in the harvest. Whether through direct evangelism, supporting missions, or discipling others, we are all called to contribute. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> While the harvest is plentiful, it is God who ultimately brings people to Himself. We must rely on His guidance and power in our efforts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 9</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'few_workers'.htm">What did Jesus mean by "workers are few"?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'lord_of_the_harvest'_mean.htm">What does "Lord of the harvest" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'plentiful_harvest'_mean.htm">What did Jesus mean by "plentiful harvest, few workers"?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'he_took_our_infirmities'_mean.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'workers are few'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) Then saith he unto his disciples.--No where in the whole Gospel record is there a more vivid or more touching instance of the reality of our Lord's human emotions. It is not enough for Him to feel compassion Himself. He craves the sympathy of His companions and disciples, and needs even their fellowship in prayer. A great want lies before Him, and He sees that they are the right agents to meet it, if only they will pray to be made so; or, to put the case more clearly, if only they will pray that the work may be done, whether they themselves are or are not the doers of it.The harvest truly is plenteous.--This is the first occurrence in the record of the first three Gospels of the figure which was afterwards to be expanded in the two parables of the Sower and the Tares, and to reappear in the visions of the Apocalypse (<a href="/context/revelation/14-14.htm" title="And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and on the cloud one sat like to the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.">Revelation 14:14-19</a>). We find, however, from the Gospel of St. John--which here, as so often elsewhere, supplies missing links and the germs of thoughts afterwards developed--that it was not a new similitude in our Lord's teaching. Once before, among the alien Samaritans, He had seen the fields white as for the spiritual harvest of the souls of men, and had spoken of him that soweth and him that reapeth (<a href="/context/john/4-35.htm" title="Say not you, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? behold, I say to you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.">John 4:35-36</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 37, 38. - The utterance is given word for word (except one transposition) at the beginning of the address to the seventy in <a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Luke 10:2</a>. But while serving there as an introduction to the rest of the speech, the reason for it is so much more self-evident here that St. Matthew seems to have recorded it in its original connexion. Our Lord himself, feeling the shepherdless condition of the people, desires to call out the interest of his disciples in it. He wants them to realize both the need of the people and the possibility that lay before the workmen. Changing the metaphor, he bids them pray him, who alone has the right and power, to send more workmen to reap these fields. Verse 37. - Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest - of human souls (<a href="/john/4-35.htm">John 4:35-38</a>). Truly. So also the Revised Version; too strong a rendering of μέν. Is plenteous (cf. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a>; Bengel), but the labourers are few. Who besides himself? John the Baptist, some who had been healed, e.g. the Gadarene demoniac (<a href="/mark/5-20.htm">Mark 5:20</a>, possibly also the blind men of ver. 31), and perhaps a few unknown true believers. Not the twelve, for these are evidently distinguished, and only to be included under the labourers spoken of in the end of the next verse. If, however, the utterance was originally spoken to the seventy (vide supra), the reference would be to the twelve. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/9-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Τότε (Tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. He said λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. to τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. disciples, μαθηταῖς (mathētais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. “The Ὁ (Ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. harvest θερισμὸς (therismos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2326.htm">Strong's 2326: </a> Reaping, harvest; met: the harvest, crop. From therizo; reaping, i.e. The crop. [is] plentiful, πολύς (polys) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. workers ἐργάται (ergatai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> A field-laborer; then: a laborer, workman in general. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher. [are] few. ὀλίγοι (oligoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> Puny; especially neuter somewhat. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/9-37.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples (Matt. 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