### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **amáō**, represented by `{{G270}}`, means properly to collect, or by implication, to **reap down**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its meaning is tied to the act of harvesting or gathering a crop.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G270}}` appears in a warning against the rich who oppress the poor. James uses the word to describe the physical act of labourers who **have reaped down** the fields of wealthy landowners. The injustice is that the wages for this work have been "kept back by fraud," and the cries of these workers have reached God [[James 5:4]]. The word, therefore, is set within a powerful condemnation of exploiting laborers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context in [[James 5:4]] illuminate the meaning of `{{G270}}`:
* `{{G2325}}` **therízō** (to harvest): This is a more common word for reaping and is used in the same verse to describe those who have reaped. It often carries a metaphorical meaning of receiving consequences for one's actions, as in the principle that a man will **reap** what he sows [[Galatians 6:7]].
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (a toiler): This word identifies the **labourers** who perform the reaping. Their cry against injustice is central to the passage. The term is frequently used in the context of the spiritual harvest, where **labourers** are needed for God's work [[Luke 10:2]].
* `{{G650}}` **aposteréō** (to despoil): This term describes the action of the landowners, who have **kept back by fraud** the wages of the workers. It directly signifies fraudulent deprivation and is listed alongside commands such as "Defraud not" [[Mark 10:19]].
### Theological Significance
Although used only once, `{{G270}}` is part of a passage with significant theological weight regarding justice and labor.
* **Divine Justice for the Oppressed:** The context highlights God's attentiveness to the cries of the exploited. The unpaid wages of those who **reap down** the fields reach the **ears** `{{G3775}}` of the "Lord of **sabaoth**" `{{G4519}}`, a title emphasizing His power as commander of heavenly armies, able to execute justice [[James 5:4]].
* **The Cry of Injustice:** The verse personifies the withheld **hire** `{{G3408}}`, stating that it "crieth" `{{G2896}}`. This illustrates that unjust actions have a voice of their own that testifies against the oppressor before God.
* **Labor and Reward:** The passage upholds the principle that labor is worthy of its reward. The act of reaping is tied directly to the expectation of just payment, and to **defraud** `{{G650}}` a laborer is a violation that God Himself will address.
### Summary
In summary, while **amáō** `{{G270}}` is a minor word in terms of frequency, its singular appearance carries immense force. It serves to anchor a powerful biblical teaching on social justice, demonstrating that God sees the exploitation of laborers and hears their cries. The simple act of "reaping down" a field becomes a focal point for understanding God's concern for the poor and His judgment against those who gain wealth through injustice.
TRV