θερίζω

therízō /ther-id'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom θέρος (in the sense of the crop)
Meaningto harvest
KJV usagereap.
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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 G1909G2129 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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 21 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 5×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 5×
  • Future Active Indicative 1st Plural 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Matthew (3 verses).

3
Matthew
3
Luke
3
John
1
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
3
Galatians
1
James
2
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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