[Greek] θερίζω (therizō), [Latin] metere, [Latin] seminare, [Latin] accipere: to reap, to harvest, accept the consequences of an act; Mt.6:26, Mt.25:24,26, Lk.12:24, Lk.19:21-22, Jn.4:36-38, 1Cor.9:11, 2Cor.9:6, Gal.6:7-9, Jas.5:4, Rev.14:15-16
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to reap, to harvest, and to accept the consequences (of an act). Plato’s Phaedrus 260c states “Then when the orator, who does not know what good and evil are, undertakes to persuade a state which is equally ignorant. What harvest do you suppose his oratory will reap thereafter from the seed he has sown.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 536 states “He has lost the plunder and razed in utter destruction his father’s house and even the land.” Euripides’ The Suppliants 717 states “He tore apart necks and covered heads at once, reaping and snapping off helmets with the cudgel.”
Old Testament: This terms means to reap (harvest), to fabricate, to be plot, to be silent, and to cut off. This term can be used literally and metaphorically. The horizon is still in the world, while prophecy states that the harvest is the eschatological action of God. There is a direct correspondence between a moral action and its consequences.
He who sows iniquity reaps calamity, and the rod destroys his labors (Prv.22:8). Those who plow for mischief and sow trouble, reap the same (Job 4:8). Sow not in the furrows in injustice, lest you harvest it sevenfold (Sir.7:3) Now David knew that Saul was plotting against him (1Sam.23:9). But the people were silent and answered him not a word (2Kgs.18:36). Do not devise harm against your neighbor (Pro.3:29). He plucked off the topmost of its young twigs (Eze.17:4). You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice (Hos.10:13).
New Testament: This term, meaning to reap (harvest), refers to dependence on God, the responsible use of talents (money), the Christian mission, the consequences of one’s actions, the unjust use of resources, and the eschatological judgment (or salvation). While God provides for birds who do not reap, God does not deny the reality of human needs. However, we must not become enslaved (worried) about these anxieties. In the parable of the talents, the foolish servant is chastised for not wisely growing his talents (money). The unjust employer is chastised for his exploitation and theft. Man reaps the moral fruits (consequences) of his actions. There is a direct relationship between what is sown and what is reaped. The results of the Christian mission are what is reaped from the spiritual seeds sown. Revelations references to the reaping of the earth’s harvest. The results of human action will determine God’s eschatological decision of salvation or judgment.
Scripture:
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they?” Mt.6:26
Jesus points out that God provides for the birds who do little. God understands our desires to provide for our needs. Jesus states we not must be worried (enslaved) by these anxieties. We must have trust that God will also provide for us.
“I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done their work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work.” Jn.4:38
Many have reaped (received) the fruits of the spiritual seed sown by the Christian mission. The results (harvest) of which Christian workers reap come from the prior sowing.
“Make no mistake; God is not mocked, for a person will reap what he sows.” Gal.6:7
There will be moral consequences for one’s actions (or lack thereof). Our actions may reap spiritual corruption or reap spiritual life. Paul also states that we must not grow tired of doing good. We will be ultimately judged by our actions.
Etymology: The Greek verb therizo provides the basis for therizinosauras, a lizard like dinosaur with scythe-like claws. The Latin verb metere means to reap, cut, and hand out punishment (praise). The Latin verb seminare means to sow, to distribute, or to spread. The Latin verb accipere means to reap, to accept, to endure (bear) and to take on.
Conclusion:
Mete, meter, seminate, seminary, accept
In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term takes on both a literal and figurative (nuanced) meaning. Plato makes reference to a powerfully persuasive speaker seeking to manipulate an uniformed audience. Such an unprincipled speaker, with his speech (seed) could sway (reap) certain public opinion with a captive audience.
In the Old Testament, it was interesting to note how this term illustrates the moral consequences of one’s actions. Reaping also pertains to the eschatological judgment or salvation.
In the New Testament, this term sows several meanings and reaps several theological insights. The New Testament continues the Old Testament eschatological understanding. Sowing can refer to actions (responsibility, exploitation, and sharing the gospel). Reaping can refer to wisdom, receiving the faith, responsibility, and salvation (judgment). Gal.6:7 reminds us that we will be judged for our actions. This even includes voting (reaping spiritual life or reaping spiritual corruption). Remember this when you vote for candidates who support abortion!
Quod severis metes: “As you sow, so shall you reap”
The sowing and reaping by Facebook and Twitter: censoring, blocking, becoming arbiters of truth, liberal bias, calling Christian values “sensitive”, inconsistent application of rules (policies) and restricting information about Joe Biden (New York Post). Twitter and Facebook have just made their choice to become publishers, not platforms. Now, they have to live with these consequences. Let the congressional hearings begin.
Sow, what do you think? I hope you were able to reap some insights from this post.