σπόριμος (sporimos)
sporimos
grainfield
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective sporimos describes something that is sown or fit for sowing. In the New Testament, it appears almost exclusively as a substantive noun in the neuter plural, referring to "sown fields" or standing crops. This specific usage grounds the word in the tangible reality of agriculture rather than abstract concepts.
Its three occurrences are tightly clustered in the Synoptic Gospels, where they serve as the setting for the disciples plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1). The sources indicate that sporimos is derived from the verb sōreō, meaning to scatter seed. By using this term, the texts highlight the physical growth of the crop, emphasizing that the disciples were harvesting produce that had already been planted and was actively growing.
Translators typically render this word simply as "fields" or "cornfields," though the Greek carries the nuance of a field that has passed the stage of bare earth and is now bearing life. The choice of sporimos underscores the normalcy of the disciples' action; they were not destroying a field but gathering from one that was already established and productive.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sporimos paints a picture of life already underway. It does not refer to bare soil waiting for hope, but to fields where seeds have taken root and are growing. When Jesus walked through these grainfields with His disciples, He engaged with the rhythm of creation. The crop was established, producing food that sustained those who were hungry.
This imagery invites us to see God’s work in the processes we often overlook. Faith is not always about sudden miracles; sometimes it is about trusting the quiet growth of what has been sown. Whether you are in a season of waiting or seeing results, this word reminds us that life comes from the earth and from God’s provision.
Jesus’ presence in these fields shows His care for basic human needs. He did not rebuke His friends for seeking food; instead, He used the moment to teach about mercy and rest. We can find comfort knowing that our Provider is present in the ordinary details of daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- grainfields,2×
- grainfields;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σπορίμων,2×
- σπορίμων·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:1
At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.
This verse establishes the setting where Jesus walks through the grain fields on the Sabbath, highlighting His engagement with the disciples' physical hunger.
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Mark 2:23
He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain.
Mark emphasizes the action of plucking ears as they walked, showing the natural and unhurried pace of their journey through the standing crop.
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Luke 6:1
Now on the second Sabbath after the first, he was going through the grain fields. His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate, rubbing them in their hands.
Luke adds the detail of rubbing the grain in their hands, illustrating a simple method of preparing the food without using tools that might violate Sabbath customs.