The Greek word spórimos, represented by G4702, refers to a sown or planted field, often translated as a corn-field. It appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses in the New Testament. Its meaning is derived from being sown, highlighting a place of cultivation and potential harvest.
In all three of its scriptural appearances, G4702 provides the setting for a specific event in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus and his disciples are described as going through the corn or corn fields on the Sabbath day (Matthew 12:1, Mark 2:23, Luke 6:1). In each account, his disciples, being hungry, began to pluck the ears of corn to eat. The account in Luke adds the detail that they were rubbing them in their hands Luke 6:1. This consistent use across the Synoptic Gospels anchors the word to this single, significant narrative.
Several related words are essential for understanding the context in which G4702 is used:
- G4521 sábbaton (the Sabbath): The events in the corn field take place on the sabbath day, which is the central element creating the conflict and teaching that follows (Matthew 12:1, Mark 2:23, Luke 6:1).
- G4719 stáchys (ear of corn): This is the specific part of the plant that the disciples plucked from the field to satisfy their hunger (Mark 2:23, Luke 6:1).
- G3983 peináō (to be an hungered): This term provides the motivation for the disciples' actions. They were an hungred, which led them to gather food from the field Matthew 12:1.
- G5089 tíllō (to pull off): This verb describes the direct action of the disciples, as they began to pluck the ears of corn as they walked through the fields Matthew 12:1.
The theological significance of G4702 comes entirely from the event it frames. The corn field serves as the stage for a profound teaching on the purpose of God's law and Christ's authority.
- Sabbath for Humanity: The incident in the corn field leads directly to the teaching that the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath Mark 2:27. The field becomes a place where human need is shown to be a priority.
- Provision for Need: The disciples were an hungred Matthew 12:1, and the field provided for their physical need. This literal act of satisfying hunger points to the broader biblical theme of God as a provider who satisfies spiritual hunger John 6:35.
- Christ's Authority: By allowing his disciples to pluck grain, Jesus' actions on the sabbath were seen as a claim to authority over the law, making himself equal with God John 5:18. The corn field is the location of one such demonstration of his lordship.
In summary, while G4702 is a simple agricultural term for a sown field, its biblical importance is immense. It is exclusively used to set the scene for a pivotal moment where Jesus re-frames the understanding of the Sabbath. The corn field becomes the backdrop against which themes of human need, divine provision, and Christ's ultimate authority are vividly illustrated.
TRV