ἀμπελουργός
a vine-dresser
Definition
Ampelourgos (ἀμπελουργός) refers specifically to a vine-dresser or vineyard worker, someone skilled in cultivating and caring for grapevines. In the New Testament, it describes a person responsible for tending a vineyard, including pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting the vines. This term appears only in Luke 13:7, where a vineyard owner tells his vine-dresser to cut down a barren fig tree. The word emphasizes agricultural labor and stewardship over a valuable crop.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 13:7, within Jesus' parable of the barren fig tree. In this context, the vine-dresser (ampelourgos) is addressed by the vineyard owner and pleads for more time to nurture the unfruitful tree. The usage highlights the vine-dresser's role as a caretaker and intercessor, representing patience and care in God's kingdom work.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'ampelos' (ἄμπελος), meaning 'vine', and 'ergon' (ἔργον), meaning 'work' or 'labor'. Thus, it literally means 'vine-worker'. It is a compound noun that directly describes one who works with vines, similar to other Greek occupational terms formed with '-ergos'.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word enriches the parable in Luke 13:6-9 by depicting God's patience and mercy. The vine-dresser intercedes for the barren tree, asking for more time and care, which can symbolize Christ's intercessory role or the ministry of grace. It illustrates themes of stewardship, fruitfulness, and divine forbearance in spiritual growth.
In first-century Judea, vine-dressing was a common and respected agricultural profession. Vineyards were economically vital, and vine-dressers possessed specialized knowledge for maximizing fruit production. Their work involved year-round care, making them essential to vineyard success. This cultural backdrop helps modern readers appreciate the vine-dresser's significance in Jesus' parable as a familiar figure of diligence and hope.
geōrgos (γεωργός, G1092) — a broader term for a farmer or tiller of the soil, not limited to vines; oikonomos (οἰκονόμος, G3623) — a manager or steward, often of a household, with a focus on administration rather than agricultural labor.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →