Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Sowing, in biblical terms, refers to the act of planting seeds in the ground, a practice that is both literal and metaphorical throughout Scripture. It is a fundamental agricultural activity in the ancient Near East, essential for sustaining life and community. Beyond its literal sense, sowing is frequently used in the Bible as a metaphor for spiritual truths, moral actions, and the dissemination of God's Word. Old Testament References The practice of sowing is deeply embedded in the agrarian culture of the Israelites. In Genesis 26:12, Isaac's prosperity is highlighted through his sowing: "Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold, and the LORD blessed him." This passage underscores the connection between faithful labor, divine blessing, and abundance. The Law of Moses also contains instructions related to sowing. Leviticus 19:19 commands, "You are to keep My statutes. You shall not breed together two kinds of your livestock; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together." This reflects the importance of purity and order in the Israelites' daily lives. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, sowing takes on a rich metaphorical significance. Jesus frequently used agricultural imagery in His parables to convey spiritual truths. The Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:3-9, and Luke 8:5-8, illustrates how the Word of God is received differently depending on the condition of one's heart. In Matthew 13:23, Jesus explains, "But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold." The Apostle Paul also employs the metaphor of sowing to describe the principles of giving and spiritual investment. In 2 Corinthians 9:6, he writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." This principle emphasizes the relationship between one's actions and the resulting blessings or consequences. Spiritual Implications Sowing in the spiritual sense involves the dissemination of the Gospel and the cultivation of virtues. Galatians 6:7-8 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This passage highlights the moral and eternal consequences of one's actions. Practical Applications The concept of sowing encourages believers to engage in acts of kindness, evangelism, and discipleship, trusting that God will bring about growth and fruitfulness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and faithfulness, as the results of sowing are often not immediate but require time and divine intervention to come to fruition. Conclusion The biblical theme of sowing encompasses both the physical act of planting seeds and the spiritual act of investing in God's kingdom. It calls believers to be diligent in their efforts, trusting in God's promise of a bountiful harvest for those who sow in righteousness and faith. Topical Bible Verses Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. Topicalbible.org Galatians 6:8 2 Corinthians 9:6 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sow.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SOWER; SOWINGso'-er, so'-ing. Greek 4701. spora -- a sowing, by impl. seed ... 4700, 4701. spora. 4702 . a sowing, by impl. ... Word Origin from speiro Definition a sowing, by impl. seed NASB Word Usage seed (1). seed. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4701.htm - 6k 4703. sporos -- a sowing, ie seed (sown) 2602. katabole -- a laying down 4687. speiro -- to sow (seed) Strong's Hebrew 2221. zerua -- a sowing, thing sown... 2220, 2221. zerua. 2222 . a sowing, thing sown. Transliteration: zerua Phonetic Spelling: (zay-roo'-ah) Short Definition: sowing. ... /hebrew/2221.htm - 6k 2233. zera -- a sowing, seed, offspring 4218. mizra -- place of sowing 2232. zara -- to sow, scatter seed 4901. meshek -- a drawing, drawing up, a trail Library Sowing and Reaping Sowing the Seed. Sowing and Reaping. The Enemy Sowing Tares. Sowing Beside all Waters. Sowing Ourselves in Life's Soil. Sowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds Spiritual Farming --No. 4 Sowing. Sowing and Reaping. February 28. Sowing and Reaping Thesaurus Sowing (28 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Sow. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SOWER; SOWING. so'-er, so'-ing. See AGRICULTURE. Multi-Version Concordance Sowing (28 Occurrences). ... /s/sowing.htm - 14k Sowing-seed (1 Occurrence) Sowing-time (1 Occurrence) Reaping (10 Occurrences) Age-during (167 Occurrences) Agriculture Blessings (45 Occurrences) Sower (11 Occurrences) Sown (45 Occurrences) Year (4027 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about sowing and reaping? | GotQuestions.orgIs “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.org Sowing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sowing (28 Occurrences)Matthew 13:4 Matthew 13:24 Matthew 13:37 Mark 4:4 Mark 4:14 Luke 8:5 John 4:36 1 Corinthians 15:37 2 Corinthians 9:6 2 Corinthians 9:10 Galatians 6:8 Genesis 1:11 Genesis 1:12 Genesis 1:29 Leviticus 11:37 Leviticus 25:22 Leviticus 26:5 Leviticus 27:16 Psalms 126:5 Psalms 126:6 Proverbs 6:14 Proverbs 11:18 Proverbs 22:8 Ecclesiastes 11:6 Isaiah 28:24 Isaiah 32:20 Ezekiel 13:18 Zechariah 8:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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