Jump to: Smith's • ATS • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The plough, an essential agricultural implement, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. In ancient agrarian societies, the plough was crucial for preparing the ground for sowing seeds, symbolizing preparation, diligence, and the hope of future harvests. The Bible references the plough in various contexts, illustrating both its literal and metaphorical significance.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the plough is often mentioned in the context of agricultural practices. The Israelites, living in a predominantly agrarian society, relied heavily on farming tools like the plough to cultivate their land. In 1 Samuel 13:20, the text notes the dependence of the Israelites on the Philistines for sharpening their ploughshares, highlighting the strategic disadvantage they faced: "So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his ploughshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle." The plough also appears in prophetic literature, symbolizing peace and transformation. In Isaiah 2:4, the prophet envisions a future where instruments of war are converted into tools of agriculture: "They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This imagery underscores a divine promise of peace and prosperity. New Testament References In the New Testament, the plough is used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. Jesus employs the imagery of the plough to illustrate the commitment required to follow Him. In Luke 9:62, Jesus declares, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This statement emphasizes the necessity of unwavering dedication and focus in the Christian life, likening discipleship to the steady and forward-looking task of ploughing a field. Symbolism and Application The plough symbolizes preparation and readiness, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Just as a farmer must diligently prepare the soil to ensure a fruitful harvest, believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for spiritual growth and service. The act of ploughing requires effort and perseverance, reflecting the Christian's journey of faith and the cultivation of a life pleasing to God. Furthermore, the transformation of swords into ploughshares, as prophesied in Isaiah, serves as a powerful symbol of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It points to a future where peace reigns, and the tools of conflict are repurposed for nurturing life and community. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, the plough was typically a simple wooden implement, often drawn by oxen or other draft animals. The design and effectiveness of the plough varied across regions and periods, but its fundamental purpose remained the same: to break up the soil and prepare it for planting. The reliance on such tools underscores the agrarian nature of biblical societies and the importance of agriculture in their daily lives and spiritual metaphors. The plough's presence in biblical texts reflects its integral role in the life and economy of the people, serving as a reminder of the connection between physical labor and spiritual truths. Smith's Bible Dictionary PloughThe ploughs of ancient Egypt consisted of a share-often pointed with iron or bronze--two handles and a pole which was inserted into the base of the two handles. Ploughs in Palestine have usually but one handle with a pole joined to it near the ground and drawn by oxen, cows or camels. ATS Bible Dictionary PloughA slight and inefficient instrument in the East, but used from the earliest times, Genesis 45:6 De 22:10 Job 1:14. See cut in MEROM. The plough now generally used in Syria consists substantially of but three parts; the beam or pole fastened to the yoke; the ploughshare; and the handle. The two latter parts, and even all three, are sometimes formed of a single branch of a tree with two limbs projecting in opposite directions. The ploughshare is sometimes defended by a strip of iron, Isaiah 2:4 Joel 3:10. As the handle was single, and with attention was easily managed by one hand, Luke 9:62, the ploughman brandished in the other a formidable goad, six or eight feet long, armed at the point with a pike, and at the heavy end, which was two inches thick, with a small iron spade for clearing the share from clay, Jud 3:31 1 Samuel 13:21 Acts 9:5. Ploughs were drawn by oxen asses, and heifers, De 22:10 Jud 14:18; at this day camels and cows are also used in Palestine. Ploughing commenced soon after the autumnal rains had set in, towards the last of October. Easton's Bible Dictionary First referred to in Genesis 45:6, where the Authorized Version has "earing," but the Revised Version "ploughing;" next in Exodus 34:21 and Deuteronomy 21:4. The plough was originally drawn by oxen, but sometimes also by asses and by men. (see AGRICULTURE.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n. & v.) See Plow.2. (n.) A well-known implement, drawn by horses, mules, oxen, or other power, for turning up the soil to prepare it for bearing crops; also used to furrow or break up the soil for other purposes; as, the subsoil plow; the draining plow. 3. (n.) Fig.: Agriculture; husbandry. 4. (n.) A carucate of land; a plowland. 5. (n.) A joiner's plane for making grooves; a grooving plane. 6. (n.) An implement for trimming or shaving off the edges of books. 7. (n.) Same as Charles's Wain. 8. (v. t.) To turn up, break up, or trench, with a plow; to till with, or as with, a plow; as, to plow the ground; to plow a field. 9. (v. t.) To furrow; to make furrows, grooves, or ridges in; to run through, as in sailing. 10. (v. t.) To trim, or shave off the edges of, as a book or paper, with a plow. See Plow, n., 5. 11. (n.) To cut a groove in, as in a plank, or the edge of a board; especially, a rectangular groove to receive the end of a shelf or tread, the edge of a panel, a tongue, etc. 12. (v. i.) To labor with, or as with, a plow; to till or turn up the soil with a plow; to prepare the soil or bed for anything. Greek 2218. zugos -- a yoke ... [2218 () two elements to work as , like when two pans (weights) operate together on a balance-scale -- or a of oxen pulling a plough.]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2218.htm - 7k 723. arotron -- a plow 722. arotriao -- to plow Strong's Hebrew 1239. baqar -- to inquire, seek... A primitive root; properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, ie (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider -- (make) inquire (-ry), (make ... /hebrew/1239.htm - 6k 6776. tsemed -- a couple, pair 6605. pathach -- to open 2790. charash -- to cut in, engrave, plow, devise Library Spiritual Farming. --No. 2 Ploughing. Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will? Ploughing in Canaan. Acts of Peter and Andrew. Swords Beaten into Ploughshares. An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience... Spiritual Farming. --No. 3 Cultivation. The Sower. On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers. Thesaurus Plough (11 Occurrences)... 45:6, where the Authorized Version has "earing," but the Revised Version "ploughing;" next in Exodus 34:21 and Deuteronomy 21:4. The plough was originally ... /p/plough.htm - 11k Plough-blades (3 Occurrences) Yoke (79 Occurrences) Vine-knives (2 Occurrences) Earing (2 Occurrences) Ploughed (16 Occurrences) Cattle (277 Occurrences) Agriculture Hammered (22 Occurrences) Hammer (15 Occurrences) Resources Plough: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Plough (11 Occurrences)Luke 9:62 Deuteronomy 22:10 1 Samuel 8:12 Job 4:8 Job 39:10 Psalms 141:7 Proverbs 20:4 Isaiah 23:10 Isaiah 28:24 Hosea 10:11 Amos 6:12 Subtopics Related Terms |