Matthew 9:37 Meaning and Explanation
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Matthew 9:37
Jesus speaks this after moving through the cities with compassion for the weary crowds, immediately before urging His disciples to pray for laborers.
What Does Matthew 9:37 Mean?
Jesus describes the multitude of people ready to receive God's mercy as a vast harvest, but laments that too few are working to gather it. This statement comes right after He looks on the crowds with compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd, scattered and weary. The harvest image is rich: the people are a ripe field, full of those longing for the truth and care that only God can give, rather than a problem to be managed. The harvest itself is ready; what is lacking is workers willing to labor in it. Jesus' words carry both urgency and tenderness: urgency because the harvest waits, tenderness because He cares deeply for every soul in the field. The very next verse turns this observation into a prayer request: ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. So this verse is a summons to compassion and to action, more than an observation about need. The fields are full; the question is who will go and gather.
Matthew 9:37 in the Original Language
The Greek therismos means "harvest," and ergates means "laborers" or workers, evoking the urgent, seasonal work of reaping ripe grain.
Bible Verses Related to Matthew 9:37
“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
- Luke 10:2
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
- John 4:35
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
- Matthew 9:36
How to Apply Matthew 9:37 Today
See the people around you as a ripe harvest, and ask God how He would have you labor in gathering them with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 9:37
What does Matthew 9:37 mean?
Jesus describes the multitude of people ready to receive God's mercy as a vast harvest, but laments that too few are working to gather it. This statement comes right after He looks on the crowds with compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd, scattered and weary. The harvest image is rich: the people are a ripe field, full of those longing for the truth and care that only God can give, rather than a problem to be managed. The harvest itself is ready; what is lacking is workers willing to labor in it. Jesus' words carry both urgency and tenderness: urgency because the harvest waits, tenderness because He cares deeply for every soul in the field. The very next verse turns this observation into a prayer request: ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. So this verse is a summons to compassion and to action, more than an observation about need. The fields are full; the question is who will go and gather.
What is the context of Matthew 9:37?
Jesus speaks this after moving through the cities with compassion for the weary crowds, immediately before urging His disciples to pray for laborers.
How can I apply Matthew 9:37 today?
See the people around you as a ripe harvest, and ask God how He would have you labor in gathering them with compassion.