John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. Therefore said he unto them , etc.] That is, the Lord Jesus, as the Ethiopic version expresses it; he said to the seventy disciples, what he had before said to the twelve apostles in ( Matthew 9:37,38) where are the same words as here: the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few, pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest ; for though there was such a number of disciples called to the ministerial work, and sent out, there was still need of more; so great was the harvest of souls, or number of hearers, that the labourers were yet but few; and therefore the Lord of the harvest and whose all souls are, was to be prayed unto to send forth more laborious preachers; (See Gill on Matthew 9:37). (See Gill on Matthew 9:38).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-16 - Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they migh strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel call men to receive Christ as a Prince and a Saviour; and he will surel come in the power of his Spirit to all places whither he sends his faithful servants. But the doom of those who receive the grace of God in vain, will be very fearful Those who despise the faithful minister of Christ, who think meanly of them, and look scornfully upon them will be reckoned as despisers of God and Christ.
Greek Textus Receptus
ελεγεν 3004 5707 V-IAI-3S ουν 3767 CONJ προς 4314 PREP αυτους 846 P-APM ο 3588 T-NSM μεν 3303 PRT θερισμος 2326 N-NSM πολυς 4183 A-NSM οι 3588 T-NPM δε 1161 CONJ εργαται 2040 N-NPM ολιγοι 3641 A-NPM δεηθητε 1189 5676 V-AOM-2P ουν 3767 CONJ του 3588 T-GSM κυριου 2962 N-GSM του 3588 T-GSM θερισμου 2326 N-GSM οπως 3704 ADV εκβαλλη 1544 5725 V-PAS-3S εργατας 2040 N-APM εις 1519 PREP τον 3588 T-ASM θερισμον 2326 N-ASM αυτου 846 P-GSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
2. The harvest (qerismov). From qerov, summer (compare qeromai, to become warm). Harvest, that which is gathered in summer. Wyc., much ripe corn is, but few workmen.Pray. See on ch. viii. 38.
Send forth (ekbalh). Lit., drive or thrust forth, implying the urgency of the mission. See on Mark i. 12.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
10:2 {Harvest} (qerismos). Late word for the older qeros, summer, harvest. The language in this verse is verbatim what we have in #Mt 9:37,38 to the Twelve. Why not? The need is the same and prayer is the answer in each case. Prayer for preachers is Christ's method for increasing the supply.
