Luke 10:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} said he {G3004} unto {G4314} them {G846}, The harvest {G2326} truly {G3303} is great {G4183}, but {G1161} the labourers {G2040} are few {G3641}: pray ye {G1189} therefore {G3767} the Lord {G2962} of the harvest {G2326}, that {G3704} he would send forth {G1544} labourers {G2040} into {G1519} his {G846} harvest {G2326}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, “To be sure, there is a large harvest. But there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the Harvest that he speed workers out to gather in his harvest.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 10:2, Jesus commissions His seventy disciples with a profound declaration about the urgent need for spiritual workers. He identifies the "harvest" as vast and ripe for gathering, yet laments the scarcity of "laborers" to undertake this crucial task. Consequently, He issues a direct command to His disciples: to earnestly pray to the "Lord of the harvest" that He would powerfully dispatch more workers into His expansive field, underscoring both the divine ownership of the mission and the essential role of intercessory prayer in its advancement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest and Laborers") is situated at the very beginning of Jesus' commissioning of seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript tradition) disciples, immediately following His resolute decision to journey toward Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). This mission to the seventy parallels the earlier sending of the twelve apostles in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"), but on a broader scale, indicating an expansion of the Kingdom message beyond the immediate circle. The verse serves as the foundational rationale for their impending mission, setting the stage for Jesus' detailed instructions on conduct, message, and reliance on divine provision found in [Luke 10:3-12](/luke/10-3-12 "Luke 10:3-12 - Instructions for the Seventy"). It highlights the pressing nature of the Kingdom's advance and the strategic need for more evangelists.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "harvest" would have been immediately understood by Jesus' agrarian audience. In ancient Israel, the harvest season was a period of intense, urgent labor, as crops had to be gathered quickly before spoilage or adverse weather. It was a time of great activity and often required many hands. Spiritually, the concept of harvest often referred to the eschatological gathering of God's people or the judgment of the wicked, as seen in prophetic literature like [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment"). Jesus reappropriates this familiar imagery to describe the spiritual readiness of people to receive the Kingdom message. The scarcity of "laborers" reflects the reality that while many people were spiritually lost or seeking, few were actively engaged in bringing them into God's fold, particularly in the face of widespread spiritual apathy or opposition from religious leaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **urgency of the Kingdom of God**, portraying it as a ripe harvest that cannot wait ([Luke 9:60](/luke/9-60 "Luke 9:60 - Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead")). Secondly, it highlights the **divine initiative and sovereignty** in mission; the harvest belongs to the "Lord of the harvest," and it is He who "sends forth" the workers, not merely human organizations. This underscores that the mission is God's, and He empowers its progress. Thirdly, the verse establishes the **centrality of prayer** in God's redemptive plan, presenting it not as an afterthought but as the primary means by which God's will for more laborers is actualized. Finally, it implicitly calls for **active participation in evangelism and discipleship**, challenging believers to recognize the vast spiritual need and to consider their own role as potential "laborers" in God's field, echoing the broader call to make disciples found in passages like [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harvest (Greek, _therismós'_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to reap," this term primarily refers to the act of reaping or the crop itself. In [Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest and Laborers"), it is used metaphorically to represent the vast number of people who are spiritually ready or in desperate need of hearing and responding to the message of the Kingdom of God. It signifies a tremendous opportunity for spiritual ingathering, implying both abundance and a limited window of opportunity.
* **Labourers (Greek, _ergátēs'_):** From the word for "work" (ἔργον), an _ergátēs_ is literally a toiler or worker. Figuratively, as used here, it refers to those who exert effort in the spiritual field—individuals actively engaged in proclaiming the Gospel, ministering to the lost, and bringing people into God's Kingdom. The term emphasizes the demanding nature of the work and the commitment required.
* **Send forth (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb is a compound of "out" (ἐκ) and "to cast" (βάλλω), meaning to eject, cast out, drive out, or expel. Its use here is significant, implying a forceful, urgent, or even compelling dispatching of workers. It suggests divine initiative and a powerful impulsion, indicating that God doesn't merely invite but actively propels individuals into the mission field due to the pressing nature of the harvest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore said he unto them":** This introductory clause connects Jesus' statement to the preceding context, specifically His intention to send out the seventy disciples. It signals that what follows is a direct and authoritative instruction from Jesus to His chosen emissaries, providing the foundational understanding for their mission.
* **"The harvest truly is great":** Jesus uses an agricultural metaphor to describe the spiritual reality. The "harvest" represents the multitude of people who are spiritually ripe for conversion, open to the message of the Kingdom, or desperately in need of salvation. The word "great" (G4183, _polýs_) emphasizes the vastness and abundance of this spiritual opportunity, indicating a widespread readiness or need among humanity.
* **"but the labourers are few":** This phrase presents a stark contrast to the preceding declaration. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) highlights the critical imbalance: despite the immense spiritual opportunity, there is a severe shortage of individuals willing or able to engage in the work of evangelism and discipleship. This scarcity poses a significant challenge to the gathering of the "great harvest."
* **"pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest":** This is Jesus' direct command, an imperative to His disciples. The "Lord of the harvest" (G2962, _kýrios_) unequivocally identifies God as the sovereign owner and controller of this spiritual field and its produce. The command to "pray" (G1189, _déomai_) emphasizes the necessity of humble, earnest petition to God, acknowledging that the solution to the labor shortage lies in His divine power and initiative, not merely human recruitment efforts.
* **"that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.":** This clause specifies the content and purpose of the prayer. The request is for God to "send forth" (G1544, _ekbállō_) workers, using a strong verb that implies a forceful, urgent dispatching. The repetition of "labourers" and "his harvest" reinforces that the workers are God's agents, sent into His field, for His purposes, highlighting divine ownership and the urgency of the mission.

#### Literary Devices
[Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest and Laborers") is rich in literary devices that enhance its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus employs the familiar agricultural imagery of a "harvest" and "laborers" to describe the spiritual realm. The "harvest" symbolizes the vast number of people ready to receive the Gospel or in need of salvation, while "laborers" represent those who proclaim the message and gather souls into God's Kingdom. This metaphor effectively conveys the urgency, abundance, and demanding nature of the spiritual mission. The verse also contains a clear **Imperative** ("pray ye"), which is a direct command from Jesus, underscoring the non-negotiable and foundational role of prayer in advancing God's work. Furthermore, the **Contrast** between the "great" harvest and the "few" laborers creates a sense of tension and highlights the critical problem that the command to pray seeks to address, motivating the disciples to action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:2 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian mission, emphasizing that the work of evangelism and discipleship is not merely a human endeavor but a divine enterprise initiated and sustained by God. It reveals God as the sovereign "Lord of the harvest," who owns the field (the world) and is ultimately responsible for sending forth His workers. This perspective fosters a spirit of dependence on God rather than self-reliance, reminding believers that the effectiveness of their labor stems from His power and provision. The command to pray for laborers highlights the strategic importance of intercession in God's Kingdom economy, positioning prayer as the primary means by which God's will for more workers is actualized. It underscores that the spiritual need is immense, the opportunity is urgent, and God is actively seeking to mobilize His people to participate in His redemptive plan.

* [Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful, the Laborers Few")
* [John 4:35-38](/john/4-35-38 "John 4:35-38 - The Fields Are White for Harvest")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-9](/1_corinthians/3-6-9 "1 Corinthians 3:6-9 - God Gives the Increase")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:2 serves as a timeless call to action for every believer, transcending its original context to speak to the ongoing spiritual needs of the world. It compels us to recognize the vast spiritual "harvest" that surrounds us—people from all walks of life who are either actively seeking truth or are desperately lost without it. This recognition should stir within us a profound sense of urgency and compassion. The verse's primary command, "pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest," is not a suggestion but a divine imperative. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation of spiritual need and to actively engage in fervent, persistent prayer for more laborers. This includes praying for individuals to be called into full-time ministry, missions, and evangelism, but also for ordinary believers to embrace their role as everyday missionaries in their workplaces, neighborhoods, and families. Furthermore, the verse implicitly calls us to self-examination: are we ourselves willing to be among those "sent forth" by the Lord? Are we utilizing our gifts, time, and resources to participate in this great harvest, understanding that the mission is God's, and He desires to use us as His instruments?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "great harvest" look like in my own community and sphere of influence today?**
* **How does my current prayer life reflect the urgency of praying for more laborers in God's harvest?**
* **In what ways might the "Lord of the harvest" be calling me to be a laborer in His field, and what steps can I take to respond?**
* **How does understanding God as the "Lord of the harvest" impact my reliance on Him versus my own efforts in ministry?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the harvest truly is great"?**

Answer: When Jesus says "the harvest truly is great," He is using a **metaphor** from agriculture. Just as a physical harvest represents a plentiful crop ready to be gathered, the "great harvest" here refers to the vast number of people who are spiritually ready to receive the message of the Kingdom of God, or those who are in desperate need of hearing and responding to the Gospel. It signifies an immense spiritual opportunity and a widespread spiritual need among humanity. This concept is also seen in [John 4:35](/john/4-35 "John 4:35 - The Fields Are White for Harvest"), where Jesus tells His disciples to "lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."

**Who are the "labourers" Jesus is referring to?**

Answer: The "labourers" are individuals who are actively engaged in the work of God's Kingdom. This primarily refers to those who proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and minister to the spiritual and physical needs of people, bringing them into a relationship with God. While the immediate context is Jesus sending out the seventy disciples, the principle extends to all believers who are called to participate in the Great Commission, using their gifts and opportunities to share God's love and truth. They are the ones who "toil" in the spiritual field, gathering the harvest.

**Why does Jesus command us to pray for laborers, rather than just recruiting them?**

Answer: Jesus commands prayer because it acknowledges God as the "Lord of the harvest" (G2962, _kýrios_), meaning He is the sovereign owner and controller of the spiritual field and its workers. Recruiting is a human effort, but sending forth (G1544, _ekbállō_, implying a forceful dispatch) laborers is ultimately a divine act. Prayer recognizes God's sovereignty, expresses our dependence on Him, and aligns our will with His. It is through prayer that God stirs hearts, calls individuals, and empowers them for His service, ensuring that the mission is carried out by His power and according to His divine timing, as seen throughout the New Testament in passages like [Acts 13:2-3](/acts/13-2-3 "Acts 13:2-3 - The Holy Spirit Sends Out Barnabas and Saul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 10:2](/luke/10-2 "Luke 10:2 - The Harvest and Laborers") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the quintessential Harvester and the Lord of the harvest. He is the one who both declares the vastness of the spiritual need and actively mobilizes His followers to meet it. Jesus embodies the perfect laborer, tirelessly sowing the seeds of the Kingdom, healing the sick, and proclaiming the good news, culminating in His own sacrificial death and resurrection which makes the "harvest" of souls possible ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - A Grain of Wheat Must Die")). Furthermore, as the ascended Lord, Jesus continues to be the one who "sends forth" laborers, empowering His church through the Holy Spirit to continue the mission He inaugurated ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). The prayer for more laborers is, in essence, a prayer to Christ, the Head of the Church, to equip and dispatch His body to gather those for whom He died, ensuring that the fruit of His redemptive work is fully realized in the establishment of His eternal Kingdom ([Revelation 14:14-16](/revelation/14-14-16 "Revelation 14:14-16 - The Harvest of the Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 4:35

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

John 4:38

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;