### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **therízō**, represented by `{{G2325}}`, means to **reap** or harvest. It appears 24 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. While it literally refers to the gathering of crops, it is most often used metaphorically to illustrate the principle that actions have inevitable consequences, whether good or bad.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2325}}` is used to convey several key ideas. It establishes the agricultural law of cause and effect, as seen in the statement, "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also **reap**" [[Galatians 6:7]]. The concept is also applied to God's provision, noting that He cares for the fowls of the air even though they do not **reap** or gather into barns [[Matthew 6:26]]. In the book of Revelation, it takes on an eschatological meaning, where an angel is commanded to **reap** the earth because its harvest is ripe, symbolizing final judgment [[Revelation 14:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of sowing, harvesting, and reward:
* `{{G4687}}` **speírō** (to scatter, i.e. sow): As the direct precursor to reaping, this word is almost always used in conjunction with `{{G2325}}` to establish the principle of cause and effect [[Galatians 6:7]].
* `{{G2326}}` **therismós** (reaping, i.e. the crop): This noun refers to the harvest itself, the result of the reaping action. It is described as plenteous, though the labourers are few [[Matthew 9:37]].
* `{{G1407}}` **drépanon** (a gathering hook (especially for harvesting):--sickle): This term identifies the instrument used for reaping, particularly in the context of the end-times harvest of the earth [[Revelation 14:16]].
* `{{G3408}}` **misthós** (pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad): This word for wages or reward is connected to the outcome of reaping, as "he that reapeth receiveth wages" [[John 4:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2325}}` is significant, highlighting principles of accountability and divine justice.
* **The Law of Consequence:** The most central theme is that one reaps what one sows. This applies to personal conduct, as sowing to the flesh leads to reaping `corruption` `{{G5356}}`, while sowing to the Spirit leads to reaping `life` `{{G2222}}` `everlasting` `{{G166}}` [[Galatians 6:8]].
* **Generosity and Blessings:** The principle extends to giving. One who sows `sparingly` `{{G5340}}` will also **reap** sparingly, but one who sows with `bountifully` `{{G1909}}``{{G2129}}` will also **reap** bountifully [[2 Corinthians 9:6]].
* **Eschatological Judgment:** Reaping is a powerful metaphor for the final judgment, where the earth is harvested by divine command, separating the righteous for reward and others for judgment [[Revelation 14:15]].
* **Spiritual Labor:** The work of spreading the gospel is depicted as a collective effort of sowing and reaping, where different workers contribute at different stages but rejoice together in the final harvest [[John 4:36]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2325}}` transcends its simple agricultural definition to become a cornerstone of biblical ethics and eschatology. It encapsulates the unavoidable link between actions and outcomes, serving as a constant reminder of personal responsibility before God. From a farmer's field to the final judgment, **therízō** illustrates that the harvests of life and eternity are determined by the seeds sown.
TRV