Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "labourers" refers to individuals who work, often in agricultural or construction settings, and is frequently used metaphorically to describe those who toil in the service of God. The Bible presents labourers as essential to both physical and spiritual harvests, emphasizing the dignity and value of work.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, labourers are often associated with agricultural work, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Israel. The Law of Moses includes specific instructions regarding the treatment of labourers, 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." This command highlights the ethical obligation to treat workers with respect and to compensate them promptly. The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of work and diligence. Proverbs 14:23 notes, "There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This verse underscores the value of hard work and the tangible benefits it brings, contrasting it with the futility of idle talk. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of labourers takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus frequently uses the metaphor of labourers in His teachings to describe those who work in God's kingdom. In Matthew 9:37-38 , Jesus says to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." Here, Jesus emphasizes the need for more labourers to spread the Gospel and bring people into the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul also addresses the role of labourers in the church. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 , he writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Paul views himself and his co-workers as labourers in God's service, working together to build up the church and advance the Gospel. Parables and Teachings Jesus' parables often feature labourers to illustrate spiritual truths. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) is a notable example. In this parable, a landowner hires labourers at different times throughout the day but pays them all the same wage. This account highlights the themes of grace and the generosity of God, who rewards not based on the duration of service but on His own benevolent character. Ethical and Theological Implications The biblical portrayal of labourers carries significant ethical and theological implications. The consistent call for fair treatment of workers reflects God's concern for justice and the dignity of human labor. The spiritual metaphor of labourers in the New Testament underscores the collaborative nature of ministry and the call for believers to participate actively in God's work. The Bible's teachings on labourers encourage a view of work as a divine calling, where both physical and spiritual labours are avenues for serving God and others. This perspective affirms the value of all work done in faith and obedience to God's commands. Library The Labourers in the vineyard. The vineyard Labourers. Eleventh Day for More Labourers Parable of the Labourers in the vineyard. (Matt. , xx. , 1-16. ) Prayer Born of Compassion Ninth Lesson. Pray the Lord of the Harvest;' On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ... The Two Sons. Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday August 15, 1892 Thesaurus Labourers (11 Occurrences)...Labourers (11 Occurrences). Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; (KJV). ... /l/labourers.htm - 9k Fellow-labourers (1 Occurrence) Yoke-fellow (1 Occurrence) Hire (48 Occurrences) Truly (468 Occurrences) Labourer (8 Occurrences) Yokefellow Outcries (8 Occurrences) Jeroboam (96 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Labourers (11 Occurrences)Matthew 9:37 Matthew 9:38 Matthew 20:1 Matthew 20:2 Matthew 20:8 Luke 10:2 Romans 16:3 1 Corinthians 3:9 Philippians 4:3 James 5:4 Judges 5:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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