New Testament
Matthew 9:37
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He told his disciples, "The harvest is enormous, but the workers are few.
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Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
What Matthew 9:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the vast opportunities for spreading the message of God’s kingdom. He uses the metaphor of a harvest to illustrate that there are many people ready to receive the good news, but there aren’t enough people to share it. The 'harvest' represents the potential believers who are spiritually hungry and in need of guidance. The 'workers' symbolize those who are willing to go out and share the gospel. This statement highlights the urgency of the mission and the need for more individuals to step up and participate in the work of evangelism. Jesus is essentially calling for more laborers to join in the effort to reach those who are lost and in need of salvation. It serves as a reminder that while the opportunity to share faith is abundant, the resources—people willing to engage in this mission—are limited. This verse encourages believers to consider their role in the Great Commission and to actively seek ways to contribute to the spiritual harvest.
How to apply Matthew 9:37 to your life
As believers, we should recognize the need for more workers in sharing the gospel. This verse challenges us to evaluate our own willingness to participate in outreach efforts. We can pray for more laborers and seek opportunities to share our faith with others, contributing to the spiritual harvest.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary · Matthew 9:37 Meaning
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Plain Meaning
Jesus looks at the crowds and uses a harvest picture. A harvest is ready grain waiting to be gathered. Labourers are the workers who do the gathering. Jesus is saying: there are many people ready to be reached, but not enough workers to reach them. The need is large; the help is small.
Read It in Context
Verse 36 says Jesus saw the crowds and felt deep compassion for them — they were worn out and scattered, like sheep with no shepherd. That sight leads directly to this statement. The crowds are the harvest He has in mind.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 9:37 mean?
Matthew 9:37 means that there are many people ready to hear about God's kingdom, but not enough people to share that message. Jesus uses the metaphor of a harvest to show the abundance of potential believers who need guidance.
What is the meaning of 'the harvest is plenteous' in Matthew 9:37?
'The harvest is plenteous' in Matthew 9:37 refers to the large number of individuals who are spiritually hungry and open to receiving the gospel. It emphasizes the great opportunity for evangelism and outreach.
How can I apply Matthew 9:37 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 9:37 by recognizing the need for more workers in evangelism and actively seeking ways to share your faith. Consider praying for more laborers and looking for opportunities to reach out to others.
What does 'the laborers are few' mean in Matthew 9:37?
'The laborers are few' means that there are not enough people willing to share the gospel despite the many who are ready to hear it. This highlights the need for more individuals to engage in spreading the message of salvation.
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