John 4:37
“And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus confirms an ancient proverb, acknowledging that the labors of faith span generations and are shared among many.
Context
Jesus quotes a traditional proverb to underscore the principle of shared labor across time.
What Does John 4:37 Mean?
This is a saying so old that its origins are lost, a wisdom that many cultures and peoples have spoken. One sows; another reaps. It was true in agriculture, and it is true in the kingdom of God. The disciples will not see the full fruit of what they begin. They will die, and others will inherit the promises they have fought for.
The proverb becomes prophecy in Jesus mouth. The Samaritans coming toward them right now are the harvest the woman has helped to sow. The disciples will water seeds others have planted. This is the way the kingdom moves through time. No one does it alone.
Application
Our faith does not end with our lives. What we sow—prayer, love, sacrifice, witness—bears fruit for generations after us. This removes the pressure to see instant results.