γεωργός (geōrgos)
geōrgos
farmer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun geōrgos refers to a farmer or tiller of the soil, encompassing both general agricultural workers and specific vine-dressers. Its etymology combines ge ("earth") with ergon ("work"), literally describing one who labors on the land. This term appears in the New Testament to depict those who cultivate crops, often using the imagery to illustrate spiritual principles.
In the Gospels, Jesus employs this word in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16), where geōrgos translates characters who lease a vineyard. Here, it highlights the responsibility and accountability of those entrusted with God’s people. The term also appears in pastoral epistles and James, emphasizing the farmer’s patience and labor (2 Timothy 2:6; James 5:7).
Unlike terms for hired hands, geōrgos often implies a deeper, long-term investment in the land’s productivity. Translators render it variously as "farmer," "husbandman," or "vine-dresser" depending on context. The word underscores the value of diligent work and the expectation of harvest, serving as a metaphor for spiritual growth and divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word geōrgos combines 'earth' and 'work', describing someone who invests their life in the soil. In Jesus’ parables, these farmers were entrusted with a vineyard but chose to seize it for themselves. This story warns us that being given responsibility comes with serious accountability. It is not enough to simply hold a position; we must produce the fruit expected of us.
Paul and James use this image differently to encourage patience. They compare the believer’s waiting for Christ’s return to a farmer waiting for rain. The earth does not rush its harvest, and neither should we. God’s timing is perfect, even when progress feels slow. Trusting in His process allows us to endure with hope.
Whether you feel called to lead or to serve quietly, this word reminds us that our labor matters. We are invited to work faithfully, knowing that God values our dedication. Let your life reflect the patience and integrity of one who tends the ground with care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- farmers11×
- to farmers3×
- the farmers2×
- farmer2×
- vinedresser1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γεωργοῖς5×
- γεωργοὺς5×
- γεωργοὶ5×
- γεωργῶν1×
- γεωργός1×
- γεωργὸς1×
- γεωργὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:40
When therefore the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?”
Jesus uses this term to ask a direct question about accountability, forcing the listeners to judge the farmers' actions themselves.
-
John 15:1
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.
Jesus applies this title to God the Father, showing that God actively cultivates believers as part of the true vine.
-
James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
The farmer here serves as a model of patience, waiting for the rain while trusting in the eventual harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does geōrgos mean in the Bible?
How is this word different from a hired hand?
Why does Jesus call God the 'farmer' in John 15?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 6 verses
“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it,…
Matthew 21:34When the season for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive his fruit.
Matthew 21:35The farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
Matthew 21:38But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and seize his…
Matthew 21:40When therefore the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?”
Matthew 21:41They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers who…