Original Word: θερισμός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: therismos
Pronunciation: theh-rees-MOS
Phonetic Spelling: (ther-is-mos')
KJV: harvest
NASB: harvest
Word Origin: [from G2325 (θερίζω - reap)]

1. reaping, i.e. the crop

harvest.

From therizo; reaping, i.e. The crop -- harvest.

see GREEK therizo

Word Origin
from therizó
Definition
harvest
NASB Translation
harvest (13).

STRONGS NT 2326: θερισμός

θερισμός, θερισμοῦ, ὁ (θερίζω), harvest: equivalent to the act of reaping, John 4:35; figuratively, of the gathering of men into the kingdom of God, ibid. equivalent to the time of reaping, i. e. figuratively, the time of final judgment, when the righteous are gathered into the kingdom of God and the wicked are delivered up to destruction, Matthew 13:30, 39; Mark 4:29. equivalent to the crop to be reaped, i. e. figuratively, a multitude of men to be taught how to obtain salvation, Matthew 9:37; Luke 10:2; ἐξηράνθη ὁ θερισμός, the crops are ripe for the harvest, i. e. the time is come to destroy the wicked, Revelation 14:15. (the Sept. for קָצִיר rare in Greek writings, as Xenophon, oec. 18, 3; Polybius 5, 95, 5.)

Definition and Scope

The term θερισμός denotes the act and season of harvesting. In Scripture it functions both literally—referring to the cutting and gathering of grain—and figuratively, pointing to the gathering of souls into God’s kingdom and the climactic reaping at the end of the age.

Occurrences and Distribution

Thirteen occurrences cluster in the Synoptic Gospels, John, and Revelation. The word appears most densely in Matthew (5×), then Luke (3×), John (2×), Mark (1×), and Revelation (1×). All uses fall within teaching or visionary contexts that highlight the urgency and certainty of divine action.

Agricultural Background

First-century Palestine depended on two annual harvests: barley in spring and wheat in early summer. Successful reaping required skilled laborers who worked swiftly before storms, pests, or rot could destroy the crop. This agricultural reality undergirds Jesus’ call for workers and His warnings of final judgment.

Spiritual Dimensions of Harvest

1. Abundant Fields: Jesus declared, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). The ripeness signifies receptive hearts made ready by God’s prevenient work.
2. Divine Ownership: In Matthew 9:38 the harvest is “His,” underscoring God’s sovereign prerogative in salvation: “Beg the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
3. Human Instrumentality: Laborers are indispensable; without them ripe grain is lost. The metaphor affirms human responsibility in evangelism.

Missionary Imperative

Matthew 9:37–38 and Luke 10:2 bracket the sending of the Twelve and the Seventy-two. Jesus ties proclamation, compassion, and prayer together: disciples must see need, pray for reinforcements, and go. These verses have fueled missionary movements from the book of Acts through modern evangelical endeavors.

Eschatological Harvest

Matthew 13:39 identifies “the harvest” with “the end of the age,” while Revelation 14:15 pictures an angel crying, “Take Your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Together they teach:
• A fixed, God-appointed moment of reckoning exists.
• Christ Himself is the primary reaper, aided by angelic hosts.
• Separation of wheat and tares culminates in eternal destinies.

Parabolic Teaching

Mark 4:29 portrays automatic growth culminating in harvest: “When the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle, because the harvest has come.” The kingdom advances inexorably by divine power, confronting disciples with joyful expectancy rather than anxious striving.

Old Testament Resonance

Prophets often linked harvest imagery to judgment and blessing (Isaiah 17:11; Joel 3:13). Jesus builds upon these motifs, revealing that fulfillment centers on His person and work.

Historical Ministry Significance

Early church fathers applied the harvest metaphor to global evangelization, identifying apostolic missions as the first major reaping. During revivals such as the Great Awakenings, preachers frequently cited Matthew 9:38 to mobilize prayer and labor. Mission societies have adopted “Lord of the harvest” in their names or mottos, reinforcing continuity with apostolic mandate.

Practical Implications for Contemporary Believers

• Prayer Priority: Intercession for laborers precedes strategy.
• Eyes to See: Disciples cultivate awareness of spiritual readiness around them.
• Urgency and Hope: Like ripe grain, opportunities can be lost, yet God promises success.
• Assurance of Final Justice: Ultimate harvest guarantees vindication for righteousness and accountability for evil.

Key Theological Themes

1. Sovereignty and Responsibility in Salvation
2. Present Mission and Future Consummation
3. Compassionate Ministry as Answered Prayer
4. Certainty of Judgment and Reward

In every occurrence, θερισμός anchors believers in God’s redemptive timetable, calls them into active service, and promises an unfailing, glorious culmination.

θερισμον θερισμόν θερισμὸν θερισμος θερισμός θερισμὸς θερισμου θερισμού θερισμοῦ θερισμώ therismon therismón therismòn therismos therismós therismòs therismou therismoûInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts