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G1090 · Greek · New Testament
γεωργέω
geōrgeō
Verb
To Till / To Cultivate the Ground

Definition

The Greek verb geōrgeō (γεωργέω) means to till or cultivate the ground — to engage in farming or agricultural work. It appears only once in the New Testament (Hebrews 6:7), in an agricultural metaphor describing land that drinks rain and produces crops as evidence of blessing.

Usage & Theological Significance

The agricultural metaphor of geōrgeō in Hebrews 6:7-8 illustrates the principle of spiritual fruitfulness. Land that receives God's rain (His word and grace) and produces useful crops receives blessing; land that produces thorns and briars faces burning. This does not speak to loss of salvation but to the seriousness of spiritual fruitfulness. Jesus's parable of the vine and branches carries similar weight: branches that bear fruit are tended; fruitless branches are removed. The geōrgos (farmer/gardener) — a title used of both God and human stewards — tends toward fruitfulness.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 6:7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed (geōrgeō) receives the blessing of God.
Hebrews 6:8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

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