### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **therismós**, represented by `{{G2326}}`, refers to the **harvest** or the act of reaping a crop. It is derived from the verb `{{G2325}}` `therízō` and appears **13 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. While it has a literal agricultural meaning, it is primarily used in scripture as a metaphor for a spiritual gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2326}}` is used to illustrate both the urgency of evangelism and the finality of divine judgment. Jesus speaks of a spiritual **harvest** that is **plenteous** and **great**, urging his **disciples** `{{G3101}}` to pray for more **labourers** `{{G2040}}` to be sent into the fields ([[Matthew 9:37]]; [[Luke 10:2]]). In John's gospel, the **harvest** is described as immediately ready, with the fields being "white already to **harvest**" [[John 4:35]]. The term also carries a significant eschatological weight, where the **harvest** is explicitly identified as "the end of the world" `{{G4930}}` [[Matthew 13:39]], a time when angels `{{G32}}` will separate the righteous from the wicked [[Matthew 13:30]]. This final **harvest** of the earth is also depicted as ripe and ready for reaping with a sickle `{{G1407}}` in Revelation [[Revelation 14:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of the spiritual harvest:
* `{{G2325}}` **therízō** (to harvest): As the root verb, it denotes the action of reaping. It is used in parallel with sowing `{{G4687}}` to illustrate that one reaps what one sows [[Galatians 6:7]] and is the direct command given during the final harvest of the earth [[Revelation 14:15]].
* `{{G2327}}` **theristḗs** (a harvester): This noun refers to the reapers themselves. In the parables, the **reapers** are identified as **angels** `{{G32}}` who will gather both the wheat `{{G4621}}` and the tares at the time of the harvest ([[Matthew 13:30]]; [[Matthew 13:39]]).
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (a toiler): This word for **labourer** is directly connected to the harvest, describing the disciples who are sent to gather souls. Jesus notes that the harvest is great, but the **labourers** are few ([[Matthew 9:37]]; [[Luke 10:2]]).
* `{{G1544}}` **ekbállō** (to eject): This is the verb used when asking the Lord of the harvest to **send forth** laborers into His harvest, emphasizing a divine commissioning and thrusting out into the work ([[Matthew 9:38]]; [[Luke 10:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2326}}` is substantial, pointing to key aspects of God's redemptive plan.
* **Urgency of the Gospel:** The description of the harvest as "plenteous" [[Matthew 9:37]] and the fields as "white already to harvest" [[John 4:35]] underscores the immediate and pressing need to gather people into God's kingdom.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The title "Lord of the harvest" [[Luke 10:2]] establishes that God is the ultimate authority over this spiritual work. It is He who owns the harvest and sends forth `{{G1544}}` the laborers `{{G2040}}` according to His will.
* **Eschatological Separation:** The harvest serves as a powerful metaphor for the final judgment. It is the time of "the end of the world" [[Matthew 13:39]], when the righteous will be gathered like **wheat** `{{G4621}}` and the wicked will be bound `{{G1210}}` for destruction [[Matthew 13:30]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2326}}` transforms the agricultural act of reaping into a profound symbol of spiritual reality. It encompasses both the ongoing mission to bring people to faith and the culminating event of history when God will execute final judgment. The concept of the **harvest** serves as a constant reminder of the urgency of the present opportunity and the certainty of the future reckoning overseen by the Lord `{{G2962}}` of the harvest Himself.
TRV