Matthew 9:38
New International Version
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

New Living Translation
So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

English Standard Version
therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Berean Standard Bible
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”

Berean Literal Bible
Beseech the Lord of the harvest, therefore, that He might send out workmen into His harvest."

King James Bible
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

New King James Version
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

NASB 1995
“Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

NASB 1977
“Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Amplified Bible
So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

American Standard Version
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

Contemporary English Version
Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers to bring it in."

English Revised Version
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So ask the Lord who gives this harvest to send workers to harvest his crops."

Good News Translation
Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest."

International Standard Version
So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

Majority Standard Bible
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.?

NET Bible
Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

New Heart English Bible
Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."

Webster's Bible Translation
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

Weymouth New Testament
therefore entreat the Owner of the Harvest to send out reapers into His fields."

World English Bible
Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
therefore implore the Lord of the harvest that He may put forth workmen to His harvest.”

Berean Literal Bible
Beseech the Lord of the harvest, therefore, that He might send out workmen into His harvest."

Young's Literal Translation
beseech ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he may put forth workmen to His harvest.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Implore therefore the Lord of the harvest, so that he might draw forth laborers into his harvest.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, petition the Lord of the harvest, so that he may sent out laborers to his harvest.”

New American Bible
so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

New Revised Standard Version
therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore urge the owner of the harvest to bring more laborers to his harvest.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Request therefore of The Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to his harvest.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Godbey New Testament
therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that he may send forth laborers into His harvest.

Haweis New Testament
entreat therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth workmen for his harvest.

Mace New Testament
entreat therefore the Lord of the harvest, to send forth labourers into his harvest.

Weymouth New Testament
therefore entreat the Owner of the Harvest to send out reapers into His fields."

Worrell New Testament
pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest.

Worsley New Testament
therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He would send out laborers into his harvest.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lord of the Harvest
37Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”

Cross References
Luke 10:2
And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.

John 4:35-38
Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. / Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. / For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. ...

Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. / He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ...

Romans 10:14-15
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.

1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Ezekiel 34:23
I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

1 Timothy 2:7
For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Psalm 68:11
The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it:


Treasury of Scripture

Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

Pray.

Luke 6:12,13
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God…

Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

the Lord.

Matthew 10:1-3
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease…

John 20:21
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

that.

Psalm 68:11,18
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it

Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Micah 5:7
And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.

Jump to Previous
Beseech Entreat Field Fields Forth Grain Grain-Fields Harvest Laborers Owner Prayer Reapers Supplicate Workers Workmen
Jump to Next
Beseech Entreat Field Fields Forth Grain Grain-Fields Harvest Laborers Owner Prayer Reapers Supplicate Workers Workmen
Matthew 9
1. Jesus heals a paralytic
9. calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;
10. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
14. defends his disciples for not fasting;
20. cures the sick woman;
23. raises Jairus' daughter from death;
27. gives sight to two blind men;
32. heals a mute man possessed of a demon;
36. and has compassion on the multitude.














Ask
The Greek word used here is "δεήθητε" (deēthēte), which implies a deep, earnest plea or prayer. This is not a casual request but a fervent appeal to God. In the context of the Christian life, it emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of aligning our desires with God's will. The act of asking signifies dependence on God and acknowledges that the mission of spreading the Gospel is beyond human capability alone.

the Lord of the harvest
This phrase identifies God as the sovereign ruler over the spiritual harvest. The term "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios) denotes authority and ownership, while "harvest" (θερισμός, therismos) symbolizes the gathering of souls into the Kingdom of God. Historically, harvest time was a period of great importance and urgency, reflecting the critical nature of evangelism. Recognizing God as the Lord of the harvest reassures believers that He is in control and actively involved in the mission field.

therefore
The use of "therefore" (οὖν, oun) connects this verse to the preceding context, where Jesus observes the crowds and is moved with compassion because they are "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36, BSB). This conjunction serves as a call to action, urging believers to respond to the spiritual needs of the world with urgency and prayer.

to send out
The Greek word "ἐκβάλῃ" (ekbalē) means to thrust out or send forth with purpose. This conveys a sense of urgency and intentionality in deploying workers into the mission field. It suggests that the workers are not merely volunteers but are commissioned and empowered by God for a specific task. This reflects the Great Commission, where Jesus sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

workers
The term "workers" (ἐργάτας, ergatas) refers to laborers or those who toil. In the context of the Gospel, these are individuals dedicated to spreading the message of Christ and nurturing the spiritual growth of others. Historically, this would include apostles, missionaries, pastors, and laypeople who contribute to the work of the Church. The emphasis is on active participation in God's mission.

into His harvest
The phrase "His harvest" underscores the ownership and initiative of God in the process of gathering souls. The harvest is not merely a human endeavor but a divine one, where God prepares the hearts of people to receive the Gospel. This highlights the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in evangelism. The imagery of harvest also suggests a time of fulfillment and joy, as the fruits of labor are gathered and celebrated.

(38) The Lord of the harvest--i.e., the Father who had sent Him to be the Sower of the divine seed, and who, through Him, was about to send forth the labourers.

Verse 38. - Pray ye. Express it as your personal need (δεήθητε, here only in the New Testament outside the writings of St. Luke and St. Paul). Therefore. Since more workers are so greatly needed. The Lord of the harvest; cf. Clem. Romans, § 34, who illustrates the thought by a most interesting composite quotation of Isaiah 40:10 (Isaiah 62:11; Proverbs 24:12)and Revelation 22:12. That he will (omit with the Revised Version) send forth. (Ὅπως ἐκβάλῃ; ut ejieiat, Vulgate [Wordsworth and White], ut mittat, Vulgate [ordinary edition].) The verb suggests alike his constraining power and their separation from their previous position (cf. Matthew 7:4). Mr. J. A. Robinson's note, however, in the Cambridge 'Texts and Studies,' I. 3:124, shows that one must not lay much stress on the thought of constraint. Labourers into his harvest.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Ask
δεήθητε (deēthēte)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1189: To want for myself; I want, need; I beg, request, beseech, pray. Middle voice of deo; to beg, i.e. Petition.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

harvest,
θερισμοῦ (therismou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2326: Reaping, harvest; met: the harvest, crop. From therizo; reaping, i.e. The crop.

therefore,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

to send out
ἐκβάλῃ (ekbalē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1544: To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.

workers
ἐργάτας (ergatas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2040: A field-laborer; then: a laborer, workman in general. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

harvest.”
θερισμὸν (therismon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2326: Reaping, harvest; met: the harvest, crop. From therizo; reaping, i.e. The crop.


Links
Matthew 9:38 NIV
Matthew 9:38 NLT
Matthew 9:38 ESV
Matthew 9:38 NASB
Matthew 9:38 KJV

Matthew 9:38 BibleApps.com
Matthew 9:38 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 9:38 Chinese Bible
Matthew 9:38 French Bible
Matthew 9:38 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 9:38 Pray therefore that the Lord (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 9:37
Top of Page
Top of Page