John 4:38

38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor; other men labored, and ye have entered into their labors."

John 4:38 Meaning and Commentary

John 4:38

I sent you to reap
To preach the Gospel, and gather in souls by your ministry; referring to the mission of them in ( Matthew 10:6 Matthew 10:7 ) ;

that whereon ye bestowed no labour;
being sent to the Jews, who had the writings of the prophets, and were versed in them; and had learned from them that the Messiah was to come, and were now in general expectation of him; so that they had nothing more to do, than to declare to those persons who were cultivated by the prophets, and were like to ground tilled and manured, that the Messiah was come, and the kingdom of heaven was at hand.

Other men laboured;
the prophets, and John the Baptist:

and ye are entered into their labours;
to finish the work they had begun, and which was almost done to their hands.

John 4:38 In-Context

36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

37 And herein is that saying true, `One soweth and another reapeth.'

38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor; other men labored, and ye have entered into their labors."

39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the saying of the woman who testified, "He told me all that ever I did."

40 So when the Samaritans had come unto Him, they besought Him that He would tarry with them; and He abode there two days.