τρυγάω

I gather

Definition

τρυγάω means to gather or harvest, specifically referring to the picking of grapes from the vine. In the New Testament, it is used literally for the agricultural act of harvesting grapes, as seen in Revelation 14:18-19 where an angel commands the gathering of the earth's vine clusters. The word also carries a metaphorical sense in Luke 6:44, where Jesus uses it to illustrate that good trees bear good fruit, implying that actions (the 'fruit') are gathered as a natural result of one's character. Thus, the term bridges physical harvest and spiritual productivity.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears only three times in the New Testament, all in contexts involving harvest imagery. In Luke 6:44, it is used figuratively in Jesus' teaching about discerning people by their actions. In Revelation 14:18-19, it is used literally twice in a prophetic vision of divine judgment, where grapes are gathered and thrown into the winepress of God's wrath. The usage pattern shows a progression from a proverbial illustration in the Gospels to an apocalyptic symbol in Revelation.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root τρυγ-, related to the noun τρύγη (trygē), meaning 'vintage' or 'grape harvest.' It is cognate with τρύξ (tryx), meaning 'new wine.' The verb specifically denotes the action of plucking or gathering ripe grapes, a seasonal agricultural activity in the ancient Mediterranean world, and its meaning remained closely tied to viticulture.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects agricultural imagery with spiritual truths. In Luke 6:44, it underscores the principle of spiritual fruitfulness and judgment based on one's deeds. In Revelation 14:18-19, it vividly portrays the final harvest of God's judgment, echoing Old Testament themes (e.g., Joel 3:13) where grape harvesting symbolizes divine wrath. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the consistency of harvest metaphors for both ethical living and eschatological reckoning.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, grape harvesting (τρυγάω) was a crucial, labor-intensive autumn activity. Grapes were typically gathered by hand into baskets, often with celebration. This cultural practice made the metaphor immediately understandable to Jesus' audience and John's readers. The imagery of throwing grapes into a winepress to extract juice, as in Revelation, would evoke the violent, crushing process of winemaking, amplifying the sense of judgment.

θερίζω (therizō, G2325) — a general term for harvesting grain or crops, not specific to grapes. | συλλέγω (syllegō, G4816) — means to gather or collect in a broader sense, often used for gathering things like fish or people.

Word Details

Scripture References