40 Bible Verses About Harvest

Introduction to 40 Bible Verses About Harvest

The concept of harvest in the Bible extends far beyond the simple act of reaping crops; it is a profound metaphor that encapsulates themes of providence, moral consequence, divine timing, and spiritual urgency. These 40 bible verses about harvest serve as a multifaceted lens through which we can view our relationship with God, our actions, and our ultimate purpose in the world. The narrative of harvest weaves through the scriptures, offering a unique perspective on how we, as believers, can cultivate and nurture our faith. 

For instance, in the steadfast promise of Genesis 8:22, “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease,” we find a reflection of God’s unwavering faithfulness and the order He has established in the world. This verse, like many others in these bible verses about harvest, serves as a reminder of the dependability of God’s word and the certainty of His plans for creation. 

The metaphor of harvest is also powerfully used to illustrate spiritual realities. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Here, the harvest becomes a symbol of the abundant opportunities for spiritual growth and evangelism. It underscores the urgency and necessity of our involvement in spiritual matters, likening the gathering of souls to the reaping of a bountiful crop. 

Moreover, these bible verses about harvest often speak to the principle of sowing and reaping, a fundamental concept in both physical and spiritual realms. Verses like Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” encourage perseverance and faithfulness in our actions. They remind us that our deeds, whether good or bad, will inevitably yield results in accordance with the nature of what was sown. 

In exploring these bible verses about harvest, we are invited to reflect deeply on how our lives mirror the cycles of sowing, growing, and reaping. These scriptures call us to consider how we are tending to the ‘fields’ of our hearts and minds, how we are nurturing our relationships with others, and how we are contributing to the Kingdom of God. The harvest theme in the Bible, therefore, becomes a powerful allegory for spiritual growth, ethical living, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, encouraging us to live in a manner that anticipates and contributes to a rich spiritual harvest.

God’s Provision in Harvest

This first selection reflects on the enduring cycle of nature as a testament to God’s unceasing provision. The verses celebrate the reliability and abundance of the harvest, seen as a direct blessing from God. They express gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s hand in the natural order, from the changing seasons to the bountiful yields of the earth. These scriptures remind us of the divine faithfulness evident in the rhythms of agricultural life, where each planting and reaping season echoes God’s promise and provision for His creation.

Genesis 8:22

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. NIV

In Other Words: For as long as the earth remains, there will be planting and reaping, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night without end. 

One-Line Summary: Continuity of seasons and natural cycles as a constant in life. 

Psalm 67:6

The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. 

In Other Words: The earth has given its produce; our God, our God, has blessed us. 

One-Line Summary: The earth’s productivity is a sign of God’s blessing. 

Psalm 85:12

The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 

In Other Words: Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will produce its yield. 

One-Line Summary: God’s goodness is reflected in the fruitfulness of the land. 

Psalm 104:14

He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth. 

In Other Words: He causes the grass to grow for the livestock, and plants for human cultivation, to bring food from the earth. 

One-Line Summary: God’s creation caters to both human and animal needs. 

Psalm 107:37

They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest. 

In Other Words: They planted fields and vineyards that yielded a plentiful harvest. 

One-Line Summary: God’s blessings enable successful agriculture. 

Isaiah 30:23

He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. 

In Other Words: He will also give you rain for the seeds you sow in the soil, and the bread from the land will be abundant and rich. 

One-Line Summary: God’s blessings include fruitful harvests as a reward. 

Jeremiah 5:24

They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’ 

In Other Words: They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain in its season, both autumn and spring, and maintains for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.’ 

One-Line Summary: Acknowledgment of God’s role in providing fruitful seasons. 

Hosea 6:11

Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed when I restore the fortunes of my people. 

In Other Words: For you too, Judah, a harvest is set when I bring back the captives of my people. 

One-Line Summary: A promise of future blessings and abundance. 

Joel 2:23

Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. 

In Other Words: Be joyful, people of Zion, be glad in your Lord God, for He has given you the early rain for vindication, He has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and latter rain as before. 

One-Line Summary: God’s faithfulness shown through seasonal rains and abundant harvests. 

Zechariah 8:12

‘The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew.’ 

In Other Words: ‘For the seed shall be prosperous, the vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its increase, and the heavens shall give their dew.’ 

One-Line Summary: A prophecy of abundant prosperity and blessing from God. 

Harvest as a Metaphor for God’s Justice

In these verses, the concept of harvest is used metaphorically to illustrate principles of justice, consequences, and moral rectitude. They draw a parallel between agricultural practices and spiritual truths, emphasizing that actions, whether good or evil, inevitably lead to corresponding outcomes. This section underscores the theme that one reaps what they sow, linking the principles of diligence, integrity, and righteousness to the eventual harvest, whether it be of a physical or spiritual nature. 

Job 4:8

As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it. NIV

In Other Words: As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble harvest the same. 

One-Line Summary: Evil actions lead to negative consequences. 

Proverbs 22:8

Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. 

In Other Words: Whoever sows injustice will reap trouble, and the rod of their fury will fail. 

One-Line Summary: Injustice leads to disaster and downfall. 

Hosea 8:7

They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. 

In Other Words: For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no meal. 

One-Line Summary: Futile efforts lead to worthless results. 

Hosea 10:13

But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. 

In Other Words: You have plowed wickedness, reaped iniquity, and eaten the fruit of lies. 

One-Line Summary: Wrongdoings result in undesirable outcomes. 

Joel 3:13

Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow—so great is their wickedness! 

In Other Words: Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, get down; for the press is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. 

One-Line Summary: A call for judgment against wickedness. 

Amos 9:13

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills. 

In Other Words: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. 

One-Line Summary: A vision of abundant blessings overtaking hard labor. 

Micah 6:15

You will plant but not harvest; you will press olives but not use the oil, you will crush grapes but not drink the wine. 

In Other Words: You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread the olives, but not anoint yourself with oil; and make sweet wine, but shall not drink wine. 

One-Line Summary: The futility of efforts when God’s laws are ignored. 

Matthew 13:30

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ 

In Other Words: Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” 

One-Line Summary: The final separation of good and evil at the end times. 

James 3:18

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. 

In Other Words: And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

One-Line Summary: Peaceful actions result in righteousness. 

Revelation 14:15

Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 

In Other Words: And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in your sickle and reap, for the time has come for you to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 

One-Line Summary: The end-time judgment where the ripe earth is harvested. 

Harvest as a Symbol of God’s Blessing

This collection of verses celebrates the harvest as a symbol of God’s abundant blessings. They often reference specific festivals and practices that revolve around the agricultural cycle, underscoring the importance of giving thanks for the earth’s bounty. These scriptures highlight the connection between God’s generosity and the fertility of the land, inviting believers to recognize and honor God through the firstfruits of their labor. They also remind the faithful of their duty to share their abundance with the less fortunate, reinforcing the themes of gratitude, stewardship, and community. 

Exodus 23:16

Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. 

In Other Words: Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the first fruits of the works you have done in your fields. 

One-Line Summary: Celebrating God’s provision through agricultural festivals. 

Leviticus 23:22

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God. 

In Other Words: When you reap the harvest of your land, do not completely reap the corners of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God. 

One-Line Summary: The importance of generosity and care for the needy. 

Deuteronomy 16:9-10

Count off seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you. 

In Other Words: You shall count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing crop. Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with a tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the Lord your God blesses you. 

One-Line Summary: A festival thanking God for agricultural blessings. 

Ruth 1:22

So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. 

In Other Words: So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. 

One-Line Summary: Naomi and Ruth’s return to Bethlehem at harvest time symbolizing hope. 

Psalm 65:11

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. 

In Other Words: You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. 

One-Line Summary: God’s blessings bring abundance and prosperity. 

Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. 

In Other Words: Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. 

One-Line Summary: Honoring God with wealth leads to even greater abundance. 

Isaiah 9:3

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 

In Other Words: You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 

One-Line Summary: Increased joy and abundance as God’s blessing. 

Jeremiah 31:12

They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. 

In Other Words: They shall come and sing in the height of Zion, streaming to the goodness of the Lord—for wheat and new wine and oil, for the young of the flock and the herd. 

One-Line Summary: Joyful return to prosperity and abundance in God’s blessing. 

Joel 2:24

The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. 

In Other Words: The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. 

One-Line Summary: A promise of material abundance as a sign of divine favor. 

2 Corinthians 9:10

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 

In Other Words: Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 

One-Line Summary: God multiplies the offerings given in righteousness. 

The Harvest as a Time of Spiritual Urgency

These verses emphasize the urgency and importance of spiritual work, using the imagery of harvest to convey the need for immediate and diligent action in the realm of faith. They call attention to the abundant opportunities for spiritual growth and outreach, likening them to a field ripe for harvesting. This category underlines the necessity for laborers in the spiritual field and encourages steadfastness and patience in spiritual endeavors. The harvest metaphor here serves as a powerful call to action, inspiring believers to seize the moment and engage actively in their spiritual journey and mission. 

Matthew 9:37-38

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 

In Other Words: Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 

One-Line Summary: The great need for workers in the spiritual harvest. 

Luke 10:2

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 

In Other Words: And He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 

One-Line Summary: A call for more laborers in the plentiful spiritual field. 

John 4:35

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 

In Other Words: Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 

One-Line Summary: Urgency in seizing the opportunities for spiritual harvest. 

Romans 1:13

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I have planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 

In Other Words: I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 

One-Line Summary: Paul’s desire to harvest spiritual fruits among the Romans. 

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

In Other Words: And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

One-Line Summary: Encouragement to persist in good deeds for future rewards. 

2 Thessalonians 3:13

And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 

In Other Words: But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 

One-Line Summary: Exhortation to continue doing good without fatigue. 

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 

In Other Words: Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 

One-Line Summary: Discipline leads to righteous and peaceful outcomes. 

James 5:7

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 

In Other Words: Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 

One-Line Summary: Patience in waiting for the Lord’s return likened to a farmer’s patience. 

Revelation 14:18

Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe. 

In Other Words: And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe. 

One-Line Summary: The final judgment depicted as a harvest of grapes. 

Revelation 14:19

The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. 

In Other Words: So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 

One-Line Summary: The execution of God’s judgment symbolized by a grape harvest. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 40 bible verses about harvest offer an expansive and deeply spiritual perspective on a theme that is as practical as it is symbolic. They do not merely describe the physical act of harvesting crops but use this process as a profound metaphor to impart lessons about faith, divine justice, and the Kingdom of God. As we have explored these bible verses about harvest, we have journeyed through messages of hope, caution, encouragement, and reflection. 

Consider the wisdom in Psalm 107:37, “They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest,” which speaks to the reward of diligent and faithful labor. This verse, like many others in this collection of bible verses about harvest, underlines the importance of our efforts in conjunction with God’s blessing. It suggests that our spiritual and moral endeavors are like seeds sown, which, when nurtured, bring forth a rich yield. 

In the realm of spiritual urgency, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good,” serves as a powerful reminder of our continual calling to sow goodness in the world, knowing that in due time, we shall reap the benefits of our perseverance. This verse encapsulates the essence of these bible verses about harvest – the call to be steadfast in our faith and actions, trusting in the eventual harvest that will come from our labor. 

These scriptures collectively emphasize that the concept of harvest transcends the boundaries of agricultural fields and enters into the depths of our spiritual lives. They challenge us to reflect on our actions, our faith, and our anticipation of God’s promises. The harvest metaphor thus becomes a powerful tool for understanding our journey in faith, reminding us that every season of sowing and reaping brings us closer to the fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives. In essence, these bible verses about harvest are not just passages about agricultural practices; they are profound invitations to cultivate a life of faith, hope, and love, assuring us of God’s faithful provision and the ultimate harvest that awaits us in His kingdom. 

6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harvest Bible Verses

A Prayer Inspired by Harvest Bible Verses

As we reflect upon the rich and varied teachings of the Bible verses about harvest, we are reminded of the deep spiritual significance of this theme. These verses not only speak of physical abundance and provision but also offer profound insights into spiritual growth, divine justice, and the importance of faithfulness and perseverance. Let us now turn to prayer, drawing from the wisdom of these scriptures, to seek guidance, express gratitude, and affirm our commitment to living a life aligned with God’s will.

Our Prayer Inspired by Our Selection of Bible Verses About Harvest

Heavenly Father, Creator of all things,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, reflecting on the lessons of the harvest, as revealed in Your Word. Just as the earth brings forth its bounty, You generously provide for our needs, both physical and spiritual. We thank You for the promise of Genesis 8:22, which assures us of the enduring cycles of seedtime and harvest, a testament to Your unwavering faithfulness.

Lord, as we ponder the wisdom of Psalm 67:6 and Psalm 85:12, we recognize that every fruitful yield and every blessing we enjoy comes from Your hand. Teach us to be like the diligent farmer, who works the land and trusts in Your timing for the increase, as illustrated in James 5:7. May we cultivate patience and perseverance in our spiritual journey, knowing that in due season, we will reap a harvest of righteousness.

We acknowledge, O God, that our actions bear fruit, as taught in Galatians 6:9. Help us to sow seeds of love, kindness, and justice, ever mindful of Your call to righteousness. May we be laborers in Your harvest field, as urged in Matthew 9:37-38, actively participating in Your work, spreading Your love and truth to all.

Forgive us, Lord, when we fall short, and guide us back to Your path when we stray. As Micah 6:15 reminds us, turning away from Your ways leads to fruitlessness. Renew in us a spirit of obedience and devotion, that our lives may yield a harvest pleasing to You.

In moments of challenge or doubt, remind us of Your constant presence and provision. Let the assurance of Your love and the hope of Your promises sustain us. May our lives reflect the joy and abundance of a life rooted in You, sharing generously, as instructed in Leviticus 23:22, with those in need and extending Your grace to all.

We offer this prayer in faith, trusting in Your goodness and mercy, and in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.