King James Version

What Does John 4:36 Mean?

John 4:36 in the King James Version says “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

John 4:36 · KJV


Context

34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

35

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

36

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

37

And herein is that saying true, One soweth , and another reapeth.

38

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus promises that the reaper 'receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal' so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. This depicts cooperative ministry across time—some plant, some water, some harvest, but all share the joy. The fruit is eternal life for believers, glory to God, and joy to workers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient agriculture, sowers and reapers were often different people working at different seasons. Jesus applies this to spiritual ministry where John the Baptist sowed, Jesus and disciples reap, yet all will celebrate together.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that we participate in ongoing gospel work prevent pride or discouragement?
  2. What does it mean that both sower and reaper rejoice together in God's economy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

2 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θερίζων3 of 20

he that reapeth

G2325

to harvest

μισθὸν4 of 20

wages

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

λαμβάνει5 of 20

receiveth

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ6 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνάγει7 of 20

gathereth

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

καρπὸν8 of 20

fruit

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

εἰς9 of 20

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ζωὴν10 of 20

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον11 of 20

eternal

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

ἵνα12 of 20

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ13 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

14 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπείρων15 of 20

he that soweth

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ὁμοῦ16 of 20

together

G3674

akin to g0260) as adverb; at the same place or time

χαίρῃ17 of 20

may rejoice

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

καὶ18 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θερίζων20 of 20

he that reapeth

G2325

to harvest


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 4:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 4:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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