38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Other Translations of Matthew 9:38-39

New International Version

38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

English Standard Version

38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

The Message

38 On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"

New King James Version

38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

New Living Translation

38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 9:38-39

Commentary on Matthew 9:35-38

(Read Matthew 9:35-38)

Jesus visited not only the great and wealthy cities, but the poor, obscure villages; and there he preached, there he healed. The souls of the meanest in the world are as precious to Christ, and should be so to us, as the souls of those who make the greatest figure. There were priests, Levites, and scribes, all over the land; but they were idol shepherds, Zechariah 11:17; therefore Christ had compassion on the people as sheep scattered, as men perishing for lack of knowledge. To this day vast multitudes are as sheep not having a shepherd, and we should have compassion and do all we can to help them. The multitudes desirous of spiritual instruction formed a plenteous harvest, needing many active labourers; but few deserved that character. Christ is the Lord of the harvest. Let us pray that many may be raised up and sent forth, who will labour in bringing souls to Christ. It is a sign that God is about to bestow some special mercy upon a people, when he stirs them up to pray for it. And commissions given to labourers in answer to prayer, are most likely to be successful.