New Testament
John 4:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.'"
Compare translations
And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
What John 4:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus highlights a fundamental principle of agricultural work that applies to spiritual matters. The saying 'One sows and another reaps' illustrates the idea that different people contribute to the process of growth and harvest. Sowing refers to planting seeds, which can symbolize sharing the message of God or doing good deeds. Reaping, on the other hand, represents the gathering of the results or benefits from those efforts. This principle emphasizes that not everyone who plants will be the one to see the results; sometimes, others will come along later to enjoy the fruits of the labor. It encourages believers to recognize their role in God's work, whether they are sowers or reapers, and to appreciate the contributions of others in the faith community. Ultimately, it reminds us that God's work is a collective effort, and we should support one another in our spiritual journeys.
How to apply John 4:37 to your life
As you engage in your spiritual life, remember that your efforts may not always yield immediate results. Be encouraged to sow seeds of faith, kindness, and service, knowing that others may reap the benefits. Support fellow believers in their journeys, recognizing the importance of teamwork in God's mission.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 4:37
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 4:37
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 4:37 mean?
John 4:37 means that in spiritual work, different people play different roles. Some may share the message of God (sow), while others may see the results of that work (reap). This highlights the collaborative nature of faith.
What is the meaning of 'One sows and another reaps' in John 4:37?
'One sows and another reaps' illustrates that in the process of spiritual growth, contributions come from various individuals. It emphasizes that not everyone who plants seeds of faith will be the one to gather the harvest.
How can I apply John 4:37 in my life?
You can apply John 4:37 by recognizing that your efforts in faith may not always lead to immediate results. Focus on sowing seeds of kindness and service, and support others in their spiritual journeys.
What themes are present in John 4:37?
Themes in John 4:37 include sowing and reaping, spiritual growth, community effort, and collaboration in faith. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God's mission.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.