Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextIn the biblical context, "labours" refers to the physical, mental, and spiritual efforts exerted by individuals in various aspects of life. The concept of labor is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting both the toil resulting from the Fall and the divine mandate for human stewardship and productivity.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of labor is introduced early in the Bible. In
Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," indicating that labor was part of God's original design for humanity. However, after the Fall, labor became toilsome.
Genesis 3:17-19 describes the curse on the ground, making labor a source of hardship: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground."
The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of labor, emphasizing diligence and the rewards of hard work.
Proverbs 14:23 states, "In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This highlights the value of industriousness and the tangible benefits it brings.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, labor is often associated with the work of the ministry and the spread of the Gospel. Jesus Himself speaks of labor in the context of the harvest of souls. In
Matthew 9:37-38, He says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest."
The Apostle Paul frequently refers to his own labors in the service of Christ. In
1 Corinthians 15:10, he acknowledges the grace of God in his efforts: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Paul also encourages believers to be steadfast in their work for the Lord, as seen in
1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Spiritual and Ethical DimensionsLabor in the Bible is not merely a physical activity but carries spiritual and ethical dimensions.
Colossians 3:23-24 instructs believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage underscores the principle that all labor should be performed with integrity and dedication, as an act of worship to God.
Rest and SabbathThe Bible also emphasizes the importance of rest from labor. The Sabbath commandment in
Exodus 20:8-10 instructs the Israelites to work for six days and rest on the seventh, reflecting God's own rest after creation. This principle of rest is reiterated in the New Testament, where Jesus offers spiritual rest to those who labor and are burdened (
Matthew 11:28-30).
Eschatological PerspectiveIn the eschatological vision of Revelation, the labors of the faithful are acknowledged and rewarded.
Revelation 14:13 states, "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'" This promise of rest and reward provides hope and encouragement for believers as they labor in this present age.
ConclusionThe biblical view of labor encompasses both the challenges and the dignity of work. It calls believers to engage in their labors with diligence, integrity, and a focus on eternal rewards, while also recognizing the need for rest and reliance on God's grace.
Library
Alcuin on True MissionaryLabours.
... THE LIFE ANDLABOURS OF INDIVIDUAL MISSIONARIES. ALCUIN ON TRUE MISSIONARY
LABOURS. THE cause of the first failure of the mission...
Labours of Pious Men in France.
... PART I. OPERATIONS OF CHRISTIANITY DURING AND AFTER THE CONFUSION PRODUCED BY
THE IRRUPTION OF THE BARBARIANS.LABOURS OF PIOUS MEN IN FRANCE....
The Bishop'sLabours and Reward.
... Epistle of Peter to James. Chapter XVI."The Bishop'sLabours and Reward.
"But know all of you that the bishoplabours more than...
TheLabours of John Cennick, 1739-1755.
... BOOK TWO. The Revival under Zinzendorf. CHAPTER XI. THELABOURS OF JOHN CENNICK,
1739-1755.... And yet there is little to show to-day for these heroiclabours....
Different Theatres of Christ'sLabours as Teacher.
... PART II. THE MEANS AND INSTRUMENTS OF CHRIST. CHAPTER I A. THE MEANS OF CHRIST IN
GENERAL. Section 62. Different Theatres of Christ'sLabours as Teacher....
St. Malachy's ApostolicLabours, Praises and Miracles.
... CHAPTER VI St. Malachy's ApostolicLabours, Praises and Miracles. [Sidenote:
1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship...
Love'sLabours
... Love'sLabours. A Sermon (No.1617).... II. Secondly, let us survey THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE'S
LABOUR. Herlabours are fourfold. First, in bearing all things....
Differences as to the Theatre of Christ'sLabours.
... CHAPTER VI. THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST CONSIDERED IN REGARD TO SUPERNATURAL AGENCY.
Section 109. Differences as to the Theatre of Christ'sLabours....
Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright...
... BOOK I To pleasant songs my work was erstwhile given, and bright were all
mylabours then? To pleasant songs my work was erstwhile...
But it is Tedious to Describe in Detail all MyLabours one by One....
... Section 35. But it is tedious to describe in detail all mylabours one by one.?
35. But it is tedious to describe in detail all mylabours one by one....
Thesaurus
Labours (19 Occurrences)...Labours (19 Occurrences). John 4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed
no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their
labours.
...In-gathering (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 23:16 and the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of thylabours which thou
hast sown in the field, and the feast of in-gathering, at the end of the year...
Result (73 Occurrences)
... John 4:38 I sent you to reap a harvest which is not the result of your own
labours. Others have laboured, and you are getting benefit...
Ephesus (20 Occurrences)
... coasts" (Acts 19:1), ie, from the inland parts of Asia Minor, and tarried here for
about three years; and so successful and abundant were hislabours that "all...
Benefit (39 Occurrences)
... (WEY). John 4:38 I sent you to reap a harvest which is not the result of
your ownlabours. Others have laboured, and you are getting...
Labour (119 Occurrences)
... (WEY). John 4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men
laboured, and ye are entered into theirlabours. (KJV WEY DBY YLT)....
Labouring (18 Occurrences)
Getting (151 Occurrences)
... (BBE). John 4:38 I sent you to reap a harvest which is not the result of
your ownlabours. Others have laboured, and you are getting...
Field (390 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:15 We do not exceed our due limits, and take credit for other men's
labours; but we entertain the hope that, as your faith grows, we shall...
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