Understanding ἀροτριάω (arotriáō) Strong’s G722: Agricultural Labor in Biblical Times and its Spiritual Significance

Pronunciation Guide: ah-ro-tree-AH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G722: ἀροτριάω describes the act of plowing or tilling the soil for agricultural purposes. This term specifically refers to the process of breaking up and turning over soil to prepare it for planting. In ancient agricultural contexts, this was typically done using an ἄροτρον (plow) pulled by oxen or other draft animals.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active infinitive)
• Derived from ἄροτρον (arotron, “plow”)
• Indo-European root *arə- (“to plow”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in agricultural contexts

ἀροτριάω Morphology:

• ἀροτριάω (present active infinitive) – to plow
• ἀροτριῶν (present active participle nominative masculine singular) – plowing/one who plows
• ἀροτριᾷ (present active indicative 3rd person singular) – he/she plows
• ἠροτρίασεν (aorist active indicative 3rd person singular) – he/she plowed

Origin & History

The term ἀροτριάω has deep roots in classical Greek agricultural literature. In Hesiod’s “Works and Days” (c. 700 BCE), the author provides detailed instructions about proper plowing seasons and techniques, using this verb to describe the essential agricultural practice. The term appears frequently in Xenophon’s “Oeconomicus,” where he discusses proper farm management and the importance of proper plowing techniques.

In the Septuagint, ἀροτριάω appears in agricultural contexts, particularly in the wisdom literature. The translator of Proverbs uses this term to convey Hebrew agricultural metaphors, demonstrating its significance in both Greek and Hebrew agricultural traditions.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Primary action of breaking up soil with a plow
• Metaphorical use for preparation or groundwork
• Technical agricultural term for soil cultivation

ἀροτριάω Translation Options:

• “to plow” – Most common translation, emphasizing the physical act
• “to till” – Broader agricultural context
• “to cultivate” – When emphasizing the preparatory aspect
• “to break up (soil)” – When focusing on the specific action on the soil

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀροτριάω appears most notably in Luke 17:7, where Jesus uses it in a parable about a servant plowing in the field. This context reveals the everyday nature of the work and its relationship to servanthood. The term’s usage reflects the agricultural backdrop of first-century life in the Holy Land, where plowing was a fundamental aspect of survival and economic stability.

The word carries theological weight in 1 Corinthians 9:10, where Paul uses plowing as a metaphor for spiritual labor and the expectation of eventual reward.

Cross References:

• “But which of you, having a servant plowing [ἀροτριῶντα] or feeding cattle…” Luke 17:7
• “Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he who plows [ἀροτριῶν] should plow in hope…” 1 Corinthians 9:10

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean agriculture, plowing was typically done after the early rains had softened the soil (usually in October/November). The timing was crucial – too early, and the ground would be too hard; too late, and the sowing season would be missed. The plow used in the Holy Land during the first century was typically wooden with an iron plowshare, pulled by oxen and guided by one person.

The act of plowing was so fundamental to ancient life that it formed the basis for many Hebrew idioms and metaphors. The phrase “put one’s hand to the plow” became a powerful metaphor for commitment and dedication, as looking back while plowing would result in crooked furrows.

Theological Significance

The agricultural imagery of plowing carries profound spiritual significance throughout Scripture. Just as plowing breaks up hard soil to prepare it for seed, spiritual preparation often involves breaking up the “hard soil” of human hearts. This connects to the prophetic call in Hosea 10:12, where יהוה (Yahweh) calls His people to “break up your fallow ground.”

The process of plowing also teaches us about spiritual perseverance and hope. Paul’s use of the plowing metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:10 reminds us that spiritual labor, like agricultural work, requires patient expectation of future harvest.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀροτριάω, we gain insight into the patient, persistent nature of spiritual growth and ministry. Just as a farmer must thoroughly plow before planting, we must allow the Messiah to break up the hardened areas of our hearts before the seed of His Word can take root and flourish.

This word reminds us that preparation is as crucial as planting. In our instant-gratification culture, the methodical work of “spiritual plowing” – prayer, Scripture study, and self-examination – may seem tedious, but it’s essential for lasting spiritual fruit.

Related Words

• ἄροτρον (arotron) – “plow” – The implement used for plowing, emphasizing the tool itself See G722
• σπείρω (speirō) – “to sow” – The natural follow-up to plowing, showing the progression of agricultural work See G4687
• γεωργέω (geōrgeō) – “to farm, cultivate” – A broader term encompassing various agricultural activities See G1090
• θερίζω (therizō) – “to harvest” – The culmination of the agricultural process that begins with plowing See G2325

Did you Know?

• Modern archaeological discoveries have uncovered ancient plowshares from the Second Temple period, showing that the basic design remained largely unchanged for centuries, confirming the historical accuracy of biblical descriptions.
• The Hebrew word for plowing (חרשׁ, charash) is also used for engraving and crafting, suggesting a connection between agricultural and artistic creation in ancient Hebrew thought.
• Ancient Roman farmers developed a calendar based on optimal plowing times that influenced agricultural practices throughout the Mediterranean world, including the Holy Land during the New Testament period.

Remember This

ἀροτριάω reminds us that spiritual growth, like agriculture, requires patient preparation, persistent labor, and hopeful expectation of future harvest.