Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "laborer" refers to individuals who engage in physical or manual work, often in agricultural settings, construction, or other forms of labor-intensive occupations. The Bible provides numerous references to laborers, emphasizing the dignity of work, the importance of fair treatment, and the spiritual implications of labor.Old Testament References The Old Testament frequently addresses the role and treatment of laborers. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, laborers were essential for the cultivation of land and the harvesting of crops. The Law of Moses includes specific instructions regarding the treatment of laborers, underscoring the importance of justice and fairness. For instance, Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." The book of Proverbs also highlights the value of diligent work, contrasting the laborer with the sluggard. Proverbs 14:23 notes, "There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This underscores the biblical principle that hard work is honorable and leads to prosperity. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus often used the imagery of laborers in His parables to convey spiritual truths. One notable example is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven by comparing it to a landowner hiring laborers for his vineyard. This parable emphasizes God's grace and the equality of all believers in receiving His blessings, regardless of when they come to faith. The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of labor in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, Paul uses the metaphor of laborers to describe the collaborative work of spreading the Gospel and building the church. Spiritual Implications The Bible presents labor not only as a physical necessity but also as a spiritual calling. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage highlights the idea that all work, when done for the glory of God, has spiritual significance. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is often referred to as a carpenter (Mark 6:3), indicating that He engaged in manual labor during His earthly life. This serves as a powerful example of the dignity and value of work, regardless of its nature. Social and Ethical Considerations The Bible advocates for the fair treatment of laborers, emphasizing the responsibility of employers to provide just wages and conditions. James 5:4 warns, "Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage underscores the ethical obligation to treat laborers with fairness and respect. In summary, the biblical portrayal of laborers encompasses both the practical aspects of work and its deeper spiritual dimensions. Labor is seen as a means of serving God, contributing to society, and fulfilling one's God-given purpose. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who labors in a toilsome occupation; a person who does work that requires strength rather than skill, as distinguished from that of an artisan.Greek 2040. ergates -- a workman ... a workman. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ergates Phonetic Spelling: (er-gat'-ace) Short Definition: a field-laborer, workman Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2040.htm - 7k 1092. georgos -- a husbandman, vinedresser 4904. sunergos -- a fellow worker 3993. penes -- one who works for his living 2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition Strong's Hebrew 6001a. amel -- a laborer, sufferer... 6001, 6001a. amel. 6001b . a laborer, sufferer. Transliteration: amel Short Definition: suffers. Word Origin from amal Definition ... /hebrew/6001a.htm - 5k 6001. amel -- a laborer, sufferer 4399. melakah -- occupation, work 4522. mas -- body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers ... Library Now the Laborer's Task is O'er Philemon i. 3-Jan 1 Timothy v. 15-Nov Smuggling in Cornwall December 29. "I have not Shunned to Declare unto You all the ... Whether Unbelievers May have Authority or Dominion Over the ... 2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar The Economic Challenge to the Church Sermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in ... Laboring under Difficulties Thesaurus Laborer (7 Occurrences)...Laborer (7 Occurrences). Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. ... /l/laborer.htm - 8k Fellow-laborer (2 Occurrences) Wages (52 Occurrences) Workman (22 Occurrences) Worker (36 Occurrences) Muzzle (4 Occurrences) Hire (48 Occurrences) Worthy (92 Occurrences) Laborers (19 Occurrences) Labored (35 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible say anything about insomnia? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Apollos? | GotQuestions.org Who were the 70 (or 72) disciples in Luke 10? | GotQuestions.org Laborer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Laborer (7 Occurrences)Matthew 10:10 Luke 10:7 1 Corinthians 16:16 1 Timothy 5:18 Nehemiah 4:22 Ecclesiastes 5:12 Lamentations 1:1 Subtopics Related Terms Fellow-laborers (2 Occurrences) Fellowlabourer (2 Occurrences) |
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