Plougheth
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The term "plougheth" is an archaic form of the word "plows," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. It refers to the act of tilling or preparing the ground for sowing seeds, a fundamental agricultural practice in biblical times. This activity is often used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths and moral lessons.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 20:4 : "The sluggard does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there." This verse highlights the importance of diligence and timely effort. The act of plowing is used to symbolize preparation and hard work, emphasizing that neglecting one's duties leads to a lack of reward.

2. Isaiah 28:24 : "Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil?" Here, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of plowing to convey the idea of divine wisdom and timing. Just as a farmer knows when to plow and when to sow, God orchestrates events in the lives of His people with perfect timing and purpose.

3. 1 Corinthians 9:10 : "Or does He speak entirely for our sake? Yes, this was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher to partake of his hope." The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of plowing to teach about the hope and expectation that should accompany Christian service. Just as a farmer plows with the hope of a future harvest, believers are encouraged to labor in faith, trusting in God's provision and reward.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, plowing was a critical part of the agricultural cycle. The process involved breaking up the soil to prepare it for planting, often using oxen or other draft animals to pull a plow. This labor-intensive task was essential for ensuring a successful harvest, and it required careful attention to the seasons and weather patterns.

The imagery of plowing is deeply embedded in the agrarian culture of the Bible, serving as a powerful symbol of preparation, diligence, and the anticipation of future growth. It reflects the broader biblical theme of sowing and reaping, which underscores the principle that one's actions have consequences, both in the physical and spiritual realms.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the concept of plowing is often associated with the preparation of the heart and mind to receive God's Word. Just as the soil must be tilled to receive seed, individuals must be open and receptive to spiritual truths. This metaphor is evident in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), where different types of soil represent various responses to the Gospel message.

Moreover, plowing signifies the breaking up of fallow ground, a call to repentance and renewal. In Hosea 10:12 , the prophet exhorts, "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain." This passage encourages believers to prepare their hearts for God's transformative work, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness and responsiveness.

In summary, "plougheth" serves as a rich biblical metaphor that conveys themes of preparation, diligence, hope, and spiritual receptivity. It reflects the agricultural heritage of the biblical world while offering timeless lessons for faith and practice.
Library

If Celsus had Read the Scriptures in an Impartial Spirit...
... For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he that plougheth should plough in
hope, and he that thresheth in hope of partaking." [3911] And in another ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlix if celsus had.htm

Whether Hope is a Help or a Hindrance to Action?
... On the contrary, It is written (1:Cor.9:10) that "he that plougheth should plough
in hope . . . to receive fruit": and the same applies to all other actions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether hope is a help.htm

Whether Hope Precedes Faith?
... Objection 3: Further, hope precedes a meritorious act, for the Apostle says
(1:Cor.9:10): "He that plougheth should plough in hope . . . ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether hope precedes faith.htm

But Lest any Should Fancy that this was Granted Only to the Twelve ...
... For our sakes truly is it written, because he that plougheth ought to plough in
hope, and he that thresheth in hope of partaking of the fruits." [2497] By ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 7 but lest any.htm

The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ...
... For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he that plougheth should plough in
hope, and he that thresheth in hope of partaking of the fruits." [2112] By ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv the god of the.htm

The Enchanted Ground
... The man who is stretched upon his couch neither writeth books, nor tilleth
the ground, nor plougheth the sea, nor doth aught else. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the enchanted ground.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... And as diligently as the husbandman plougheth for the sustentation of the body,
so diligently must the prelates and ministers labour for the feeding of the soul ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ...
... i.10: How beautiful is their neck for bearing the yoke of Thy statues; and it shall
be upon them like the yoke on the neck of the ox that plougheth in the field ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v further incidents of.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... For our sakes, no doubt, this was written: that he that plougheth should plough
in hope, and that he who thresheth, in hope of partaking." [2884] And there are ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... For our sakes, no doubt, this is written; that he who plougheth should plough in
hope, and he that thresheth, in hope of partaking." [2760] Very many other ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

Thesaurus
Plougheth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Plougheth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 20:4 Because of winter
the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing. ...
/p/plougheth.htm - 6k

Ploughing (14 Occurrences)

/p/ploughing.htm - 10k

Ploughers (2 Occurrences)

/p/ploughers.htm - 6k

Slothful (22 Occurrences)
... again. (KJV WBS YLT). Proverbs 20:4 Because of winter the slothful plougheth
not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing. (YLT). ...
/s/slothful.htm - 12k

Asketh (40 Occurrences)
... wives. (YLT). Proverbs 20:4 Because of winter the slothful plougheth not,
He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing. (YLT). Jeremiah ...
/a/asketh.htm - 18k

Openeth (48 Occurrences)
... kindness. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Isaiah 28:24 The whole day plougheth the
ploughman to sow? He openeth and harroweth his ground! (YLT). ...
/o/openeth.htm - 20k

Harroweth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harroweth (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 28:24 The whole day
plougheth the ploughman to sow? He openeth and harroweth his ground! (YLT). ...
/h/harroweth.htm - 6k

Resources
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Concordance
Plougheth (2 Occurrences)

Proverbs 20:4
Because of winter the slothful plougheth not, He asketh in harvest, and there is nothing.
(YLT)

Isaiah 28:24
The whole day plougheth the ploughman to sow? He openeth and harroweth his ground!
(YLT)

Subtopics

Plougheth

Related Terms

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Plough (11 Occurrences)

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Cutting (178 Occurrences)

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Elisha (70 Occurrences)

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Bride's (2 Occurrences)

Autumn (8 Occurrences)

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Shepherding (2 Occurrences)

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Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences)

Wounds (57 Occurrences)

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Cow (32 Occurrences)

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Looks (76 Occurrences)

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Requesting (49 Occurrences)

Soil (59 Occurrences)

Lie (291 Occurrences)

Finds (71 Occurrences)

Seated (252 Occurrences)

Basket (40 Occurrences)

Empty (84 Occurrences)

Room (174 Occurrences)

Plant (92 Occurrences)

Warriors (75 Occurrences)

Robe (142 Occurrences)

He-ass

Heass

Numerous (88 Occurrences)

Hater (72 Occurrences)

Season (101 Occurrences)

Abundant (124 Occurrences)

Grain (413 Occurrences)

Building (249 Occurrences)

Ploughers
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