📖 Biblical Definition
Reaping is the harvest counterpart of sowing — the literal cutting and gathering of grain, and the figurative receiving of what one has planted. Scripture binds the literal to the moral with great seriousness: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:7-8). Christ also names the disciples laborers in the harvest: "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38). The Christian reaps every day what he has sown.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
REAP'ING, ppr.
expand to see more
1. Cutting grain with a sickle or other instrument. 2. Receiving as a reward, the consequence of a course of conduct.
📖 Key Scripture
Galatians 6:7 — "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Matthew 9:38 — "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
Hosea 10:12 — "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern impatience demands harvests on demand; Galatians 6:9 ties reaping to the believer who does not faint.
expand to see more
Galatians 6:7 is the moral law of seed and harvest: whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The verse is unsentimental. The man who sows promiscuity reaps wreckage. The man who sows greed reaps dust. The man who sows obedience reaps harvest. The God of the seed is also the God of the harvest, and He keeps strict books.
Galatians 6:9 is the partner verse: in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Modern impatience demands harvests on demand. The seed was planted yesterday; the fruit was expected today; the laborer quit by Wednesday. The God who promises harvest also sets the season. Plant. Water. Wait. Do not faint. The harvest comes for the unfainted.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew qatsar (H7114); Greek therizo (G2325).
expand to see more
Usage
"Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap — the books are kept exactly."
"Modern impatience demands harvests on demand; the harvest comes for the unfainted."
"Plant. Water. Wait. Do not faint. The God of the seed is also the God of the harvest."