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John 4:37

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 4:37 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
John 4:37 — American Standard Version

Context — John 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.
35Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest.
36He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored: others have labored, and ye are entered into their labor.
39And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that [ever] I did.
40So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And herein is that saying true, etc.] This verifies that proverbial expression so much in use, and which may be applied to different persons and cases: one soweth, and another reapeth; the prophets sowed, and the apostles reaped.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That saying - That proverb. This proverb is found in some of the Greek writers (Grotius). Similar proverbs were in use among the Jews. See Isaiah 65:21-22; Leviticus 26:16; Micah 6:15. One soweth ... - One man may preach the gospel, and with little apparent effect; another, succeeding him, may be crowned with eminent success. The seed, long buried, may spring up in an abundant harvest. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That saying - A common proverb; One soweth - The prophets and Christ; another reapeth - The apostles and succeeding ministers. John 4:38”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“One: Jdg 6:3; Mic 6:15; Luk 19:21 John 4:38”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification