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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as they often convey rich meanings that are vital for accurate interpretation. The term ὀπώρα (opōra) holds significance in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Revelation 18:14, where it relates to the concept of harvest and fruitfulness. This word not only reflects agricultural practices of the time but also carries deeper theological implications, connecting the idea of earthly goods to spiritual outcomes, thereby enhancing our comprehension of ancient Greek culture and its resonance in Christian teachings.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀπώρα (opōra) [oh-POH-rah]

Etymology: The word ὀπώρα comes from the root verb ὄπωρος (opōros), meaning “harvest” or “fruit,” typically used to describe the late summer or autumn season when crops are gathered.

Part of Speech: Noun. It is a feminine noun that refers specifically to the harvest season or the produce gathered during this time.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Harvest: The primary meaning of ὀπώρα is “harvest,” signifying the period when crops are gathered. This period was crucial in ancient agricultural societies, marking a time of reaping the rewards of labor.

Fruitfulness: It can also imply the idea of fruitfulness, suggesting not just the act of gathering but the abundance that comes with it, representing both physical sustenance and spiritual blessings.

Temporal Context: Additionally, ὀπώρα can refer to the specific time frame of harvest, denoting late summer and autumn, highlighting the cyclical nature of agricultural life and its importance in the rhythm of community and worship.

Exploring Similar Words

καρπός (karpós) [kar-POHS]: This term means “fruit” or “crop,” focusing on the end product of agricultural efforts. In contrast, ὀπώρα emphasizes the season and process of gathering the harvest.

ἔτη (etē) [EH-tay]: This word means “year” and denotes a broader temporal context compared to ὀπώρα. While ὀπώρα refers to a specific harvest time, ἔτη encompasses an entire year, including various agricultural seasons.

θερισμός (therismós) [theh-ris-MOS]: Meaning “harvesting,” this term specifically denotes the action of harvesting crops, highlighting a different aspect of the agricultural process than the seasonal focus of ὀπώρα.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, ὀπώρα exhibits specific morphological features.

Case, Number, Gender: ὀπώρα can appear in various cases: nominative (subject), genitive (possession), dative (indirect object), and accusative (direct object). It is singular in number and feminine in gender.

Declension: It falls under the first declension category, characterized by nouns that typically end in -α (alpha) in the nominative singular form.

For further insights into Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term ὀπώρα appears in various Greek lexicons, highlighting its relevance in both agricultural and theological contexts. BDAG emphasizes its importance in agrarian societies, noting that the harvest period was not only about gathering food but also about community celebration and worship. Thayer’s outlines its connection to the idea of fruitfulness, linking it to the blessings bestowed upon the faithful. LSJ underscores the term’s agricultural roots while noting its literary appearances in discussions of abundance. Vine’s discusses the symbolic use of harvest imagery in the New Testament, particularly in parables and prophetic literature, where it signifies the end times. Moulton and Milligan provide insights into its use in early Christian writings, reinforcing the theological implications tied to harvest time. The synthesis of these insights illustrates the multifaceted nature of ὀπώρα in both classical and New Testament contexts.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Revelation 18:14: “And the fruits of thy soul’s desire are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all” (ὀπώρα).

• Matthew 9:37: “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest (ὀπώρα) truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”

• Mark 4:29: “But when the fruit (ὀπώρα) is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest (ὀπώρα) is come.”

• John 4:35: “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest (ὀπώρα)? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (ὀπώρα).”

• James 5:7: “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit (ὀπώρα) of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with the Greek Word

Hesiod Works and Days “And when the harvest ([ὀπώρα]) comes, you shall gather the wheat.”

Theocritus Idyls “In the autumn, when the harvest ([ὀπώρα]) is ripe, we will feast.”

Xenophon Anabasis “And we feasted on the fruits ([ὀπώρα]) of our labor.”

Septuagint Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest ([ὀπώρα]) shall not cease.”

Septuagint Exodus 34:22 “And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the first fruits of wheat harvest ([ὀπώρα]).”

Septuagint Leviticus 23:39 “Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruits ([ὀπώρα]) of the land.”

Noteworthy Summary

In summary, ὀπώρα (opōra) encapsulates significant aspects of agricultural life and theology, particularly regarding the concept of harvest and fruitfulness. This feminine noun carries profound meanings that intertwine with cultural practices and spiritual teachings, making it vital for understanding both the New Testament and classical literature. Its usage in scripture and classical works reinforces its thematic relevance, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life, labor, and divine provision.

Did You Know?

Cultural Celebrations: In ancient agrarian societies, harvest time was often marked by festivals celebrating abundance, reflecting the community’s gratitude for the crops.

Spiritual Symbolism: Harvest imagery in the Bible often symbolizes spiritual readiness and the anticipation of divine judgment, highlighting the connection between earthly actions and spiritual outcomes.

Agricultural Techniques: The methods of harvesting during ancient times were labor-intensive, involving communal efforts, which strengthened social bonds within communities.