King James Version

What Does Luke 10:2 Mean?

Luke 10:2 in the King James Version says “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the ha... — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Luke 10:2 · KJV


Context

1

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus tells the seventy: 'The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.' The 'harvest' metaphor represents people ready for salvation. 'Great' harvest with 'few' laborers creates urgency—much work, insufficient workers. The solution isn't recruiting but praying—God must 'send forth' (Greek 'ekbalē,' ἐκβάλῃ, thrust out) workers. The Greek verb implies forceful sending, suggesting God must compel workers into His harvest field. Prayer, not human strategy, mobilizes workers. The harvest belongs to God ('the Lord of the harvest'), not human organizations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This preceded Jesus sending seventy disciples (some manuscripts say seventy-two) on a preaching mission (vv. 3-16). Harvest imagery was common in Jewish thought, often referring to judgment (Joel 3:13, Matthew 13:39) but here to evangelistic opportunity. First-century Palestine was agricultural—hearers would know harvest's urgency. Ripe grain left unharvested rots, making laborers critically important. Jesus' ministry demonstrated this pattern—He prayed all night before choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12), and here instructs praying before the seventy's mission. Effective evangelism requires God-sent, God-empowered workers, not merely volunteers pursuing their own agenda.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the great harvest with few laborers teach about evangelistic opportunity and the urgent need for workers?
  2. Why does Jesus prioritize prayer for workers rather than human recruiting strategies or organizational expansion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἔλεγεν1 of 25

said he

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὖν2 of 25

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πρὸς3 of 25

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτοῦ4 of 25

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

5 of 25
G3588

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

μὲν6 of 25

truly

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

θερισμὸν7 of 25

The harvest

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

πολύς8 of 25

is great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

οἱ9 of 25
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 25

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐργάτας11 of 25

labourers

G2040

a toiler; figuratively, a teacher

ὀλίγοι·12 of 25

are few

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

δεήθητε13 of 25

pray ye

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

οὖν14 of 25

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τοῦ15 of 25
G3588

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

κυρίου16 of 25

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τοῦ17 of 25
G3588

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

θερισμὸν18 of 25

The harvest

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

ὅπως19 of 25

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

ἐκβάλλῃ20 of 25

he would send forth

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἐργάτας21 of 25

labourers

G2040

a toiler; figuratively, a teacher

εἰς22 of 25

into

G1519

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

τὸν23 of 25
G3588

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

θερισμὸν24 of 25

The harvest

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

αὐτοῦ25 of 25

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 10:2 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 Luke 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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