ἀγρός (agros)
agros
Field of
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agros refers to a field, open country, or a specific piece of ground. In the New Testament, it appears thirty-five times, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The word captures both the agricultural sense of tilled land and the broader geographical idea of rural areas distinct from urban centers.
Its usage varies by context. It often denotes a literal plot of earth, such as the field where Jesus’ parables place seeds or hidden treasures (Matthew 13:24, 44). At other times, it describes the countryside itself, as when Jesus withdraws to a solitary place or when Simon of Cyrene is found coming in from the fields (Mark 15:21; Luke 9:12). This dual meaning highlights the agrarian setting of first-century Palestine.
The term corresponds closely to the Hebrew sadeh in the Septuagint, bridging Jewish scripture with Greek translation. While it can mean a single farm or hamlet, it frequently stands in contrast to the city, emphasizing life lived away from civic structures. Translators render it variously as "field," "country," or "piece of ground" depending on whether the focus is on cultivation, location, or ownership.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field, He points to a simple truth about God’s care. These plants do not work hard or spin thread, yet they are dressed in beauty that surpasses Solomon’s finest robes. This image invites us to rest from our anxiety. We often worry about providing for ourselves, but the text reminds us that the same Father who clothes the grass also knows your needs.
The word also appears in parables where a man finds treasure hidden in a field and sells everything to buy it. This suggests that God’s Kingdom is of such value that it is worth every sacrifice. Whether you are facing daily pressures or seeking deeper purpose, this word encourages trust in God’s provision and the supreme worth of His reign.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- field11×
- field,4×
- lands3×
- fields3×
- field;2×
- country.2×
- the field1×
- region1×
- field?1×
- field.1×
- countryside1×
- a field,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγροὺς7×
- ἀγρῷ5×
- ἀγρὸν5×
- ἀγροῦ,4×
- ἀγρῷ·2×
- ἀγρὸς2×
- ἀγροῦ2×
- ἀγρούς.2×
- ἀγρῷ;1×
- ἀγρῷ.1×
- ἀγρῷ,1×
- ἀγρῶν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:28
Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin,
Jesus uses the lilies of the field to illustrate how God provides beauty without anxious toil, challenging our worry about clothing.
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Matthew 13:44
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The hidden treasure in the field represents the Kingdom of Heaven, showing that its value justifies selling all one possesses to obtain it.
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Matthew 27:7
They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.
The potter’s field is purchased with blood money to bury strangers, linking the word to a specific historical act of atonement and burial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word agros mean?
How is agros used in the parables?
Why does Jesus mention the lilies of the field?
Every Occurrence (35 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 15 verses
Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they…
Matthew 6:30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much…
Matthew 13:24He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field,
Matthew 13:27The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these…
Matthew 13:31He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took,…
Matthew 13:36Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the…
Matthew 13:38the field is the world, the good seeds are the children of the Kingdom, and the darnel weeds are the children of the…
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 19:29Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my…
Matthew 22:5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;
Matthew 24:18Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes.
Matthew 24:40Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left.
Matthew 27:7They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.
Matthew 27:8Therefore that field has been called “The Field of Blood” to this day.
Matthew 27:10and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”