Spiritual Harvest: τετράμηνος (Strong’s G5072: tetramenos) Shows Divine Timing

Strong’s G5072: A compound adjective formed from τετρα- (four) and μήν (month), meaning “four months.” Used metaphorically by Jesus to contrast natural harvest cycles with the immediacy of spiritual harvest, emphasizing the urgency of evangelism and the ripeness of souls for salvation.

U- Unveiling the Word

τετράμηνος carries both literal and profound spiritual significance in the New Testament. As a compound word combining “four” and “month,” it primarily denotes a four-month period, typically associated with agricultural cycles. However, Jesus uses this term in John’s Gospel to create a powerful contrast between natural and spiritual harvests. While farmers waited four months between sowing and reaping, Jesus points to an immediate spiritual harvest ready for reaping. The early church understood this as a call to urgent evangelism, recognizing that souls are always ready for harvest. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to look beyond natural timing and recognize God’s kairos moments for spiritual harvest.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τετράμηνος, tetramenos, /te-TRA-may-nos/
• Detailed pronunciation: teh-TRAH-may-nohs (emphasis on TRAH)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• τετρα- (tetra-) – prefix meaning “four”
• μήν (mēn) – root word meaning “month”
• -ος (-os) – adjectival suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• A period of four months
• Four-month duration
• Quadrimestral period

For compound words:
τετρα- (tetra-) establishes the quantity four, while μήν (mēn) provides the unit of measurement (month). The -ος suffix makes it adjectival, describing a duration of time.

Translation Options:

• “Four months” – Most direct and common translation
• “Four-month period” – When emphasizing the duration
• “Quadrimester” – Technical equivalent, though less common

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δίμηνος (dimenos) /DI-may-nos/ – two-month period, using different numerical prefix. See G1332
• ἑξάμηνος (hexamenos) /hek-SA-may-nos/ – six-month period, different numerical prefix. See G1837
• μήν (men) /mayn/ – month, the root word without prefix. See G3376

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an Adjective:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter (agrees with noun)
• Declension: Second

The word follows standard second declension patterns:

• Nominative: τετράμηνος
• Genitive: τετραμήνου
• Dative: τετραμήνῳ
• Accusative: τετράμηνον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τετράμηνος’s agricultural significance in the ancient world, noting its connection to harvest cycles. Thayer’s highlights its metaphorical use in Jesus’ teaching about spiritual harvest. LSJ documents its broader usage in Greek literature for administrative and agricultural periods. Vine’s explores the spiritual implications of the four-month period in contrast to immediate spiritual opportunities. Strong’s details its compound structure and literal meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in agricultural contracts and time measurements. The synthesis of these lexicons reveals both its practical function in ancient society and its powerful metaphorical application in spiritual teaching.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Say not ye, There are yet [four months] [τετράμηνος], 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.” John 4:35

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τετράμηνος appears at a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry when He reveals the urgency of spiritual harvest to His disciples. While farmers understood the natural four-month waiting period between sowing and reaping, Jesus used this agricultural term to challenge their spiritual perspective. The fields of human souls were already white for harvest, requiring immediate action. This word beautifully proclaims the good news that King Jesus breaks through natural limitations and timing, calling us to recognize and respond to the constant readiness of hearts for the Gospel message.

D – Did You Know?

1. The four-month period was a standard agricultural measure in ancient Mediterranean farming.
2. Jesus used this term in Samaria, where agricultural metaphors would have been particularly meaningful.
3. The word appears in ancient medical texts to describe various biological cycles.

Strong’s G5072: A compound adjective formed from τετρα- (four) and μήν (month), meaning “four months.” Used metaphorically by Jesus to contrast natural harvest cycles with the immediacy of spiritual harvest, emphasizing the urgency of evangelism and the ripeness of souls for salvation.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: time, harvest, agriculture, evangelism, urgency, months, seasons, metaphor, missions, spiritual harvest, divine timing, opportunity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​