### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀροτριόω (arotrióō), Strong's number `{{G722}}`, is derived from the noun ἄροτρον (arotron), meaning "plow." Its core meaning is straightforward and agricultural: "to plow" or "to till the ground." This refers to the physical act of breaking up and turning over the soil with an implement, preparing it for sowing. In its literal sense, the semantic range of ἀροτριόω is narrow, confined to this specific agricultural activity. However, within biblical literature, the imagery associated with plowing often extends metaphorically to concepts of preparation, hard labor, and the condition of the human heart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀροτριόω (arotrióō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 17:7]]**: "But which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?"
In this sole occurrence, ἀροτριόω is used in a literal sense to describe one of the primary duties of a servant in an agricultural setting. The context is Jesus' teaching on the nature of service and duty. The servant's work of "plowing" (alongside "tending sheep") represents arduous, essential labor. The master's expected response is not immediate commendation or special privilege, but rather a continued expectation of service. This passage underscores the idea that servants are expected to perform their duties without seeking immediate reward or recognition, highlighting a principle of humble and diligent service. The act of plowing here exemplifies the demanding, foundational work that is simply part of the servant's responsibility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of plowing and agricultural labor is rich throughout Scripture, often serving as a powerful metaphor.
* **Greek:**
* ἄροτρον (arotron): The noun from which ἀροτριόω is derived, meaning "plow" (e.g., [[Luke 9:62]], "No one, having put his hand to the plow...").
* γεωργός (geōrgos) `{{G1092}}`: Farmer, husbandman, one who works the ground (e.g., [[John 15:1]], [[2 Timothy 2:6]]).
* σπείρω (speirō) `{{G4687}}`: To sow, to scatter seed (often follows plowing, e.g., [[Matthew 13:3]]).
* θερίζω (therizō) `{{G2325}}`: To reap, to harvest (the culmination of agricultural effort, e.g., [[Galatians 6:7]]).
* **Hebrew (Old Testament parallels):**
* חָרַשׁ (charash) `{{H2790}}`: The most common Hebrew verb for "to plow," also meaning "to engrave" or "to devise" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 8:12]], [[Proverbs 3:29]]).
* תֶּלֶם (telem) `{{H8525}}`: A furrow, the result of plowing (e.g., [[Psalm 65:10]]).
* Agricultural imagery is pervasive in the Old Testament, frequently employed to describe the preparation of the heart (e.g., [[Hosea 10:12]], "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord...").
### Theological Significance
Though ἀροτριόω (arotrióō) appears only once literally, its underlying concept of plowing carries profound theological significance, particularly when viewed in conjunction with related biblical imagery:
1. **Humble Service and Duty:** In [[Luke 17:7]], the act of plowing highlights the demanding and often unglamorous nature of service. The theological point is that believers, as servants of God, are expected to perform their duties diligently and faithfully, not for immediate reward or recognition, but simply because it is their obligation. Jesus concludes this teaching by saying, "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do'" ([[Luke 17:10]]). This underscores humility and the understanding that we cannot put God in our debt.
2. **Preparation for Spiritual Growth:** While not directly using ἀροτριόω, the concept of plowing is foundational to the metaphor of preparing the soil of the heart. Just as physical ground must be broken up and tilled before seed can be sown and bear fruit, so too must the human heart be prepared to receive the Word of God. This involves breaking up hardened attitudes, prejudices, and resistance to divine truth, allowing for receptivity and spiritual fruitfulness (cf. [[Hosea 10:12]], [[Jeremiah 4:3]]).
3. **Diligence and Unwavering Commitment:** The imagery of the plow also speaks to the necessity of sustained effort and single-mindedness in discipleship. Jesus' statement about putting one's hand to the plow and not looking back ([[Luke 9:62]]) powerfully conveys the absolute commitment required to follow Him. Plowing is a task that demands forward focus; distraction or turning back renders the work ineffective. This illustrates the theological principle of perseverance and steadfastness in the Christian walk.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀροτριόω (arotrióō) `{{G722}}` means "to plow" or "to till the ground." Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 17:7]] describes the literal, arduous labor of a servant. This usage serves to illustrate the principle of humble, diligent service expected of believers, who are to perform their duties faithfully without seeking immediate reward or recognition. More broadly, the act of plowing in biblical thought carries significant metaphorical weight, representing the necessary preparation of the heart for spiritual growth, the breaking up of hardened ground to receive divine truth, and the unwavering commitment required for effective discipleship. It underscores the foundational, often demanding, work that precedes spiritual fruitfulness and the call to steadfast perseverance in the service of God's Kingdom.
TRV