ἄροτρον (arotron)
arotron
plow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun arotron refers simply to a plough, the essential tool for turning over soil in ancient agriculture. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 9:62, where Jesus uses it as part of a stark metaphor about discipleship.
In that passage, Jesus states that no one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. The image relies on the difficulty of steering a straight line while pulling a heavy plough; looking back causes the furrow to wander and the work to be ruined. This highlights the necessity of single-minded focus and forward commitment in following Christ.
The word itself derives from the verb arō, meaning to till or plough, grounding the term firmly in the practical realities of rural life. Its sole biblical occurrence underscores that spiritual readiness requires an unwavering gaze toward the goal ahead, rather than distraction by what lies behind.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arotron refers to the plough, a heavy wooden tool that required constant attention to keep the furrow straight. In ancient farming, if a farmer looked back while pulling the plough, the line would wander and the work would be ruined. This simple image captures the reality of discipleship: it demands a steady gaze forward.
Jesus uses this metaphor in Luke 9:62 to show that following Him requires single-minded focus. We cannot serve two masters or live half-heartedly. When we commit to Christ, we leave behind old patterns and distractions to walk in His light. This is not about perfection, but about direction.
May you find strength in this call to look forward. Trust that God guides your steps as you keep your eyes on Him, finding peace in the path He has set before you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] plow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄροτρον1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”
This verse uses the plough to illustrate that distracted commitment renders a disciple unfit for God's Kingdom.