Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "sowers" primarily refers to those who scatter seed for the purpose of planting crops. This agricultural imagery is frequently used in Scripture to convey spiritual truths, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The act of sowing is emblematic of spreading the Word of God and the various responses it elicits from different individuals.
Old Testament ContextIn the agrarian society of ancient Israel, sowing was a common and essential activity. The Hebrew Scriptures often reference sowing in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For instance, in
Ecclesiastes 11:6 , it is written, "Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper." This verse underscores the diligence and perseverance required in sowing, reflecting a broader principle of faithfulness in one's endeavors.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament expands on the metaphorical use of sowing, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. The Parable of the Sower, found in the Synoptic Gospels (
Matthew 13:3-9,
Mark 4:3-9,
Luke 8:5-8), is a foundational text for understanding the spiritual significance of sowing. In this parable, Jesus describes a sower who scatters seed on various types of soil, each representing different responses to the Word of God. The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus' words in
Matthew 13:3-8: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings. Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold."
This parable illustrates the varied reception of the Gospel message, emphasizing the importance of a receptive heart, akin to good soil, for the Word to take root and bear fruit.
Apostolic ApplicationThe apostolic writings continue to employ the imagery of sowing to describe the work of evangelism and the growth of the Christian faith. In
1 Corinthians 3:6-9 , the Apostle Paul writes, "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, Paul acknowledges the collaborative effort in ministry and the divine role in spiritual growth, reinforcing the notion that while humans may sow and water, it is ultimately God who brings about the increase.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe concept of sowing extends beyond evangelism to encompass the broader principle of reaping what one sows, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.
Galatians 6:7-8 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of one's actions, encouraging believers to live in accordance with the Spirit.
In summary, the imagery of sowers in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the dissemination of God's Word and the varied responses it receives. It underscores the importance of a receptive heart, the collaborative nature of ministry, and the spiritual principle of reaping what one sows.
Library
HowSowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
... Howsowers of strifes and peacemakers are to be admonished. (Admonition 24.)
Differently to be admonished aresowers of strifes and peacemakers....
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is...
... It was to that harvest that the Lord of the harvest came, to that harvest He sent
reapers; but to the Gentiles He sent not reapers, butsowers....
The Prey of the Terrible
... grow. Some of thesowers are in England now, and some are in heaven"sowers
and reapers, English and Tamil, rejoice together! This...
The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit.
... There is abundant seed to be sown, any of us can find it in the granary of God's
Word; and there are to-day manysowers: but there may be soil and seed and...
The Sower.
... In the beginning of the Gospel, when the chosen band ofsowers first went to work
upon the ample field of the world, taught of the Spirit, they knew well what...
Daily Bread.
... One last word. The return of seed time and harvest teaches us that we are
allsowers, and that the harvest is the end of the world....
The Seed Growing Secretly.
... which it is declared that he neither aids nor understands the growth of the grain;
if, on the other hand, men are represented as thesowers, the representation...
A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in...
... The one, what seed should be sown in God's field, in God's plough land; and the
other, who should be thesowers: that is to say, what doctrine is to be taught...
A Home Mission Sermon
... We are not here in vain, dear brethren. We are here on earth likesowers scattering
good seed; like ploughmen ploughing up the fallow ground....
Spiritual Farming --No. 4 Sowing.
... Those of us who wish to learn how to sow, should study Jesus and Paul. They are
examples of whatsowers should be. BIBLE IDEAS ABOUT REPENTANCE:"....
Thesaurus
Sowers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sowers (1 Occurrence). Job 4:8 As I have seen --
ploughers of iniquity, And
sowers of misery, reap it! (YLT).
...Sowest (7 Occurrences)
Sower (11 Occurrences)
Misery (38 Occurrences)
... KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV NIV). Job 4:8 As I have seen -- ploughers of iniquity,
Andsowers of misery, reap it! (YLT). Job 5:6 For sorrow...
Ploughers (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ploughers (2 Occurrences). Job 4:8 As I have seen --
ploughers of iniquity, Andsowers of misery, reap it! (YLT)....
Agriculture
... pouch. He may, on the other hand, carry it in a jar or basket as thesowers
are pictured as doing on the Egyptian monuments. As...
Resources
What is a spiritual harvest and how can I achieve one? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is personal evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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