Understanding ἄροτρον (arotron) Strong’s G723: The Plowshare that Teaches Spiritual Focus and Kingdom Commitment

Pronunciation Guide: ah-ROH-tron

Basic Definition

Strong’s G723: A plow or plowshare; specifically, the wooden implement used for breaking up soil in preparation for sowing. This agricultural tool consisted of a wooden beam with a metal point that would cut into and turn over the soil. In biblical usage, it becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual commitment and agricultural labor.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἀρόω (aroō) meaning “to plow”
• Indo-European origin
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in agricultural contexts

ἄροτρον Morphology:

• ἄροτρον (nominative singular) – a plow
• ἀρότρου (genitive singular) – of a plow
• ἀρότρῳ (dative singular) – with/by a plow
• ἄροτρα (nominative/accusative plural) – plows

Origin & History

The term ἄροτρον has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing in Homer’s works as early as the 8th century BCE. In the Iliad (10.353), Homer uses it to describe the essential agricultural implement of Greek civilization. The word appears frequently in Hesiod’s “Works and Days,” where he provides detailed instructions about plowing seasons and techniques.

In the Septuagint, ἄροτρον appears in several agricultural contexts, particularly in 1 Samuel 13:20-21, where it describes the Israelites having to sharpen their plowshares under Philistine oversight. The word carries both literal and metaphorical significance in ancient agricultural societies.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A wooden beam with metal point used for breaking up soil
• An agricultural implement for preparing land for sowing
• A metaphorical symbol of commitment to agricultural or spiritual labor

ἄροτρον Translation Options:

• Plow – Most common English translation, emphasizing the complete implement
• Plowshare – Specifically referring to the metal cutting edge
• Plowing implement – More general translation emphasizing function
• Farming tool – Broader contextual translation for modern readers

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄροτρον appears most notably in Luke 9:62, where Yeshua (Jesus) uses it in a powerful metaphor about commitment to the Kingdom of God. The image of one putting their hand to the plow but looking back would have resonated deeply with His agricultural audience, as effective plowing requires focused attention and forward vision.

The Septuagint usage provides important background, particularly in agricultural contexts and prophetic literature. The word appears in several key passages about peace and prosperity, where swords being beaten into plowshares symbolize the transformation from warfare to peaceful cultivation.

• “No one who puts his hand to the plow [ἄροτρον] and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near East, plowing was a crucial agricultural activity that required significant skill and focus. The plowman needed to keep his eyes fixed on a distant point to create straight furrows. Looking back would result in crooked lines and ineffective cultivation. This practical reality formed the basis for Yeshua’s metaphor about kingdom commitment.

The cultural significance of the plow is further emphasized by the fact that most families owned only one plow, often sharing it within the community. The proper care and use of the ἄροτρον was essential for survival, making it a powerful symbol of commitment and responsibility.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄροτρον in Luke 9:62 presents a profound theological truth about the nature of discipleship. By using this agricultural metaphor, Yeshua teaches that following Him requires complete commitment and forward focus. The image suggests that kingdom work, like plowing, demands our full attention and cannot be done effectively with divided loyalty.

This agricultural metaphor also connects to the broader biblical theme of God as the Divine Farmer (John 15:1) and believers as His co-workers in cultivating spiritual growth. The ἄροτρον thus becomes a symbol of our partnership with God in the work of His Kingdom.

Personal Application

When we understand the significance of ἄροτρον in its agricultural context, we gain a deeper appreciation for Yeshua’s teaching about commitment. Just as a plowman must maintain focus to create straight furrows, we too must maintain our spiritual focus to effectively serve in God’s Kingdom.

This word challenges us to examine our own commitment to following Yeshua. Are we trying to plow while looking back at our old life? Are we giving our full attention to the work of the Kingdom?

Related Words

• ἀρόω (aroō) – to plow, to cultivate; the verbal root of ἄροτρον showing the action of plowing See G722
• γεώργιον (geōrgion) – cultivated land, a field; the place where the ἄροτρον is used See G1091
• σπόρος (sporos) – seed, sowing; what follows after the work of the ἄροτρον See G4703
• θερισμός (therismos) – harvest; the ultimate goal of plowing with the ἄροτρον See G2326

Did you Know?

• Ancient plows were primarily made of wood with only the cutting edge being metal, making them relatively lightweight but requiring regular maintenance and replacement of the metal tip.
• The Greek word ἄροτρον has survived into modern Greek largely unchanged, still referring to a plow, showing the enduring nature of this agricultural implement.
• Archaeological discoveries of ancient plowshares in Israel have shown that the basic design remained relatively unchanged from the time of the First Temple period through the time of Yeshua, helping us understand exactly what tool He was referencing in His teaching.

Remember This

The ἄροτρον teaches us that true discipleship, like effective plowing, requires unwavering forward focus and complete commitment to the task at hand.