Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "workers" encompasses a broad range of individuals engaged in various forms of labor, both physical and spiritual. The Bible provides numerous references to workers, emphasizing the dignity of labor, the importance of diligence, and the ethical treatment of those who work.Dignity of Labor The Bible begins with God as the ultimate worker, creating the heavens and the earth in six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). This divine example sets a precedent for the value of work. Human beings, created in the image of God, are called to participate in this creative process. In Genesis 2:15, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," highlighting the inherent dignity and purpose of labor. Diligence and Hard Work Scripture frequently extols the virtues of diligence and hard work. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." Similarly, Proverbs 14:23 notes, "In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." These verses underscore the biblical principle that hard work leads to prosperity and success, while laziness results in negative consequences. The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of diligence. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage encourages believers to view their work as service to God, elevating the significance of their daily tasks. Ethical Treatment of Workers The Bible advocates for the fair and just treatment of workers. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes specific instructions regarding the treatment of laborers. Leviticus 19:13 commands, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This reflects a concern for justice and the well-being of workers. In the New Testament, James 5:4 warns against exploiting laborers: "Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage highlights the moral obligation to pay workers fairly and promptly. Spiritual Workers Beyond physical labor, the Bible also speaks of spiritual workers, those who labor in the ministry of the Gospel. Jesus Himself refers to the need for workers in the spiritual harvest: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38). This metaphorical use of "workers" underscores the importance of evangelism and discipleship in the Christian mission. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself and his companions as "fellow workers" in the Gospel (Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 3:9). He acknowledges the labor involved in spreading the message of Christ and building up the church, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this spiritual work. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of workers encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms, affirming the value of labor, the necessity of diligence, and the ethical treatment of those who work. Through various passages, the Bible provides guidance on how to approach work with integrity and purpose, ultimately serving God in all endeavors. Greek 4904. sunergos -- a fellow worker ... Word Origin from sun and the same as ergon Definition a fellow worker NASB Word Usage fellow worker (6), fellow workers (6), workers (1). a fellow worker. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4904.htm - 7k 2872. kopiao -- to grow weary, toil 2040. ergates -- a workman 4005. pentekoste -- fiftieth, Pentecost, the second of the three ... 3626. oikourgos -- working at home Strong's Hebrew 6092. atseb -- toileratseb or atstsab. 6091, 6092. atseb or atstsab. 6093 . toiler. Transliteration: atseb or atstsab Phonetic Spelling: (aw-tsabe') Short Definition: workers. ... /hebrew/6092.htm - 6k 5647. abad -- to work, serve 4399. melakah -- occupation, work 5656. abodah -- labor, service 2796. charash -- engraver, artificer 6466. paal -- do, make Library As his Fellow-Workers God's Fellow-Workers For Tired Workers Glad Givers and Faithful Workers The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers Exhortation to Workers and Ministers Fellow-Workers with Christ. December 27. A Word to Workers 1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ... Eighth Day for the Spirit on all Christian Workers Thesaurus Workers (76 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Workers (76 Occurrences). Matthew 7:23 And then will I say to them, I never had knowledge of you: go from me, you workers of evil. ... /w/workers.htm - 28k Wonder-workers (16 Occurrences) Fellow-workers (6 Occurrences) Metal-workers (5 Occurrences) Field-workers (3 Occurrences) Brother-workers (3 Occurrences) Gold-workers (2 Occurrences) Evil-workers (1 Occurrence) Byssus-workers (1 Occurrence) Co-workers (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are ways I could serve / be serving in the church? | GotQuestions.org Why should I talk about my faith in the workplace? | GotQuestions.org Workers: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Workers (76 Occurrences)Matthew 7:23 Matthew 9:37 Matthew 9:38 Matthew 13:30 Matthew 20:1 Matthew 20:8 Luke 10:2 Luke 13:27 Luke 20:10 Romans 16:3 Romans 16:12 1 Corinthians 3:9 1 Corinthians 12:28 1 Corinthians 12:29 2 Corinthians 1:24 2 Corinthians 6:1 2 Corinthians 11:13 Philippians 3:2 Philippians 4:3 Colossians 4:11 Titus 2:5 Philemon 1:24 3 John 1:8 Ruth 2:21 2 Kings 12:15 2 Kings 22:5 2 Kings 22:9 2 Kings 23:24 1 Chronicles 4:21 1 Chronicles 22:15 1 Chronicles 23:24 1 Chronicles 27:26 2 Chronicles 2:7 2 Chronicles 24:12 2 Chronicles 34:10 2 Chronicles 34:13 2 Chronicles 34:17 Ezra 7:24 Nehemiah 11:35 Job 31:3 Job 34:8 Job 34:22 Psalms 5:5 Psalms 6:8 Psalms 14:4 Psalms 28:3 Psalms 31:23 Psalms 36:12 Psalms 37:1 Psalms 53:4 Psalms 59:2 Psalms 59:5 Psalms 64:2 Psalms 92:7 Psalms 92:9 Psalms 94:4 Psalms 94:16 Psalms 101:8 Psalms 118:20 Psalms 125:5 Psalms 141:4 Psalms 141:9 Proverbs 10:29 Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 21:15 Isaiah 19:9 Isaiah 19:10 Isaiah 31:2 Isaiah 58:3 Jeremiah 6:28 Jeremiah 10:9 Jeremiah 12:1 Ezekiel 48:18 Ezekiel 48:19 Hosea 6:8 Joel 1:11 Subtopics Related Terms |