ἀγρός – Pronunciation Guide: ah-GROS (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G68: A field, especially as cultivated land; by extension, the country or regions outside of towns and cities. This term encompasses both planted fields and open countryside, representing areas of agricultural activity and rural spaces.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)
• Root Origin: From Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵros
• Related Sanskrit: अज्र (ajra, “plain, field”)

Morphology:

• ἀγρός (nominative singular) – field
• ἀγροῦ (genitive singular) – of the field
• ἀγρῷ (dative singular) – to/in the field
• ἀγρόν (accusative singular) – field
• ἀγροί (nominative plural) – fields
• ἀγρῶν (genitive plural) – of the fields

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγρός has deep roots in ancient Greek culture, appearing extensively in classical literature. Homer used it in the Odyssey to describe the cultivated lands of Odysseus, emphasizing the connection between land ownership and societal status in ancient Greek society.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀγρός frequently translates the Hebrew שָׂדֶה (sadeh), maintaining the dual sense of both cultivated field and open country. This translation choice reflects the agricultural foundation of both Greek and Hebrew societies.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγρός appears 36 times, often in contexts related to agricultural parables or as a setting for Jesus’ teachings. The word carries significant metaphorical weight, particularly in parables about the Kingdom of God.

Key Passages:

• Matthew 13:44 – The parable of the treasure hidden in a field
• Mark 10:29-30 – Jesus’ promise about leaving fields for His sake
• Luke 15:25 – The elder son working in the field in the Prodigal Son parable

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, fields represented both sustenance and status. The ownership of ἀγρός carried significant social implications, as land ownership was a primary measure of wealth and stability. Fields were also central to religious life, with various Torah laws governing their use, including the practice of leaving corners unharvested for the poor.

Theological Significance

The Messiah Jesus frequently used ἀγρός in His parables to illustrate spiritual truths about His Kingdom. The field represents the world as a place of spiritual cultivation where God’s work unfolds. This agricultural metaphor emphasizes the organic nature of spiritual growth and the patient work of God in bringing His purposes to fruition.

The concept of ἀγρός also points to God’s providence in creation, highlighting His role as the ultimate owner and cultivator of all things. This understanding reinforces our role as stewards rather than absolute owners of what God has entrusted to us.

Personal Application

When we understand the rich meaning of ἀγρός, we gain fresh perspective on our role in God’s Kingdom work. Just as fields require patient cultivation, our spiritual lives and ministries need consistent care and attention. This calls us to be both diligent workers and patient waiters, trusting God’s timing in bringing forth fruit.

Related Words

• χώρα (country, region) – See G5561
• σπόρος (seed) – See G4703
• θερισμός (harvest) – See G2326
• γεώργιον (tilled land) – See G1091

Did You Know?

• The word ἀγρός continues in modern Greek, meaning “farm” or “field,” maintaining its ancient significance
• In many of Jesus’ parables, the ἀγρός is portrayed as a place of discovery and transformation
• Archaeological evidence shows that first-century fields in the Holy Land were often marked by stone walls or hedges, helping us visualize the physical context of many biblical narratives

Remember This

The field (ἀγρός) in Scripture is not just a place of labor, but a canvas where God paints His stories of redemption and growth.