Bible Dictionaries
Plow

Holman Bible Dictionary

To break up the ground to prepare it for sowing seed. For literal uses of plow, see Agriculture. Biblical writers often appealed to the image of a farmer plowing. Plowing served as an image of sin (Proverbs 21:4; Hosea 10:13 ) and of repentance (Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:11 ). Plowing served as a picture of oppression (Psalm 129:3 ) and destruction (Jeremiah 26:18; Micah 3:12 ) but also of expectation of reward (1 Corinthians 9:10 ). To plow with another's heifer meant to commit adultery with his wife (Judges 14:18 ). To have one's hands on the plow and look back was to have reservations about discipleship (Luke 9:62 ).