ἀροτριάω
arotriaō
to plow
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀροτριάω (arotriāō, Strong's number: G0722) means "to plow." This verb is primarily associated with agriculture, specifically the act of breaking and loosening the earth to sow seed or plant crops. Its semantic domain of "Agriculture & Land" further supports this interpretation, emphasizing its connection to farming activities. The word ἀροτριάω occurs three times in the Bible, suggesting its importance in agricultural contexts. This frequency implies that the verb had significant relevance to early Christian communities, who likely drew connections between farming practices and spiritual renewal. By examining this word, we gain insight into the everyday lives and concerns of biblical writers and their audience, who saw parallels between cultivating the land and cultivating faith. In its simple yet significant meaning, ἀροτριάω underscores the idea that biblical authors often used concrete, practical experiences as metaphors for spiritual truths. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, work, and faith, inviting readers to consider the profound significance of even mundane activities like plowing.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say when he comes in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down at the table,’
1 Corinthians 9:10or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope.
1 Corinthians 9:10or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope.