ἀμάω (G270) — Greek Lexicon

ἀμάω

amáō

G270 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To reap, to cut grain in the process of harvesting, to gather in a harvest, especially by scythe or sickle; more generally, to collect plants or crops during harvest. This verb specifically refers to the act of cutting grain or similar crops, rather than picking fruit or gathering by hand. In context, may also carry metaphorical sense of gathering or bringing in (e.g., a harvest of souls), though always with the imagery of reaping as central.

Semantic Range

to reap crops, to harvest grain, to cut for harvest, to gather in a harvest, (metaphorically) to gather together as if harvesting

Root / Etymology

Probably related to the root ἅμα (together), implying the action of gathering together crops at one time. However, the precise etymology is uncertain, as an Indo-European root is not clearly attested. Not derived from a more basic Greek verb.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀμάω primarily refers to the agricultural process of reaping or harvesting grains (e.g., barley, wheat), using a sickle or similar implement. It is a technical agricultural term, distinct from verbs for picking fruit (τρυγάω) or harvesting grapes. In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew roots like קָצַר (to reap), focusing on the act of cutting standing grain. The term appears rarely in the New Testament (James 5:4; Revelation 14:15-16), where it retains its literal agricultural sense (reaping grain), and when used metaphorically, the imagery of final or eschatological harvest derives from this core meaning. Standard English translations (e.g., "reap") generally capture this basic sense, but may obscure its specifically agrarian, technical nature, and do not always highlight that it is grain and similar crops (not all gathering) that is implied.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἅμα; properly, to collect, i.e. (by implication) reap:--reap down.

Root Family

ἀμάω (amaō) — to reap, to harvest, to gather crops

Root ἀμά- to reap, to harvest, to gather (as crops)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G270-01`	ἀμησάντων	amesanton	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL`	who have mowed	of those who reaped	reaped	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G270-01`	James 5:4	ἀμησάντων	amesanton	`V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL`	who have mowed	of those who reaped	reaped

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