Lexical Summary sporimos: Grainfield Original Word: σπόριμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cornfield. From sporos; sown, i.e. (neuter plural) a planted field -- corn(-field). see GREEK sporos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom speiró Definition sown, i.e. a sown field NASB Translation grainfields (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4702: σπόριμοςσπόριμος, σπόριμον (σπείρω, 2 perfect ἐσπορα), fit for sowing, sown (Xenophon, Diodorus, others); τά σποριμα, sown fields, growing crops (A. V. (except in Matt.) corn-fields) (Geoponica 1, 12, 37): Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4702 designates the standing grain in a cultivated field ready for harvest. Though the word occurs only three times in the New Testament, its placement inside a decisive Sabbath controversy opens a broad window on first-century agricultural life, rabbinic law, and the unfolding revelation of Jesus Christ. Occurrences in the Canon Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1—all parallel accounts describing Jesus and His disciples walking διὰ τῶν σπορίμων, “through the grainfields,” on a Sabbath. “His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.” (Matthew 12:1) Historical-Agricultural Setting Grain—usually wheat or barley—was the staple crop of Galilee and Judaea. Fields lay unfenced, bounded by footpaths that served both travelers and local farmers (Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23). Mosaic law permitted any passerby to pluck kernels for immediate hunger relief (Deuteronomy 23:25), a gracious provision guarding the poor from starvation while preserving private ownership. By Jesus’ day, Pharisaic casuistry had multiplied detailed Sabbath restrictions, equating the simple act of rubbing ears of grain with reaping, threshing, winnowing, and preparing food—four of the thirty-nine categories of prohibited work in later rabbinic tradition (compare Mishnah Shabbat 7:2). Context of the Synoptic Incident Jesus’ use of σπορίμων becomes the focal point of a larger debate: What did God intend by the Sabbath commandment? Confronted by the Pharisees for unlawful labor (Matthew 12:2), Jesus appeals to Scripture, citing David’s consumption of the consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:1-6) and the priestly temple service on Sabbath (Matthew 12:3-5). By invoking “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6), He establishes that human need and covenant mercy outweigh ritualistic interpretation. Thus, the grainfield scene serves as a lived parable that “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28). Old Testament Foundations 1. Provision for gleaning: Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19. Standing grain, therefore, is already linked to divine compassion for sojourners and the needy. Jesus’ appropriation of this field-side privilege aligns perfectly with Torah intent, exposing the divergence between Scriptural law and human tradition. Theological Themes • Christ’s Authority: By asserting dominion over Sabbath through a simple stroll amid σπορίμων, Jesus reveals His divine prerogative to define true rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). • Mercy Over Ritual: The grainfields dramatize the prophetic prioritization of mercy (Matthew 12:7). God’s law was never meant to stifle life but to safeguard it. • Foreshadowing Harvest: Standing grain anticipates the spiritual harvest Jesus envisions—fields “white for harvest” (John 4:35). The disciples’ action of plucking and eating signifies their participation in that incoming kingdom work. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Balancing Rest and Service: Christian practice honors the Lord’s Day while refusing legalism that ignores legitimate human needs or gospel ministry (Colossians 2:16-17). Christological Significance Jesus does not merely interpret Sabbath law; He embodies the Sabbath promise. By feeding His disciples from the σπορίμων, He previews the ultimate rest and sustenance found in Himself (John 6:35). The physical grain nourishes momentary hunger; the Bread of Life satisfies eternally. Conclusion Though linguistically modest, Strong’s Greek 4702 carries rich narrative weight. The standing grain fields frame a confrontation that clarifies the heart of God’s law, magnifies the mercy of Christ, and calls His followers to compassionate freedom. The scene urges every generation to walk through life’s σπορίμων with eyes fixed on the Lord of the Sabbath, hands ready for harvest, and hearts alive to grace. Forms and Transliterations σπόριμον σπορίμου σποριμων σπορίμων sporimon sporimōn sporímon sporímōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 12:1 Adj-GMPGRK: διὰ τῶν σπορίμων οἱ δὲ NAS: through the grainfields on the Sabbath, KJV: through the corn; and INT: through the grainfields and Mark 2:23 Adj-GMP Luke 6:1 Adj-GMP |
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