Understanding a Simple Word with Deep Spiritual Roots
You think of a farmer turning over the soil when you hear the word “cultivate.” You might also imagine them planting seeds to grow food. In the Bible, the idea of cultivation is just as down-to-earth—but it also carries bigger, spiritual lessons.
What Does “Cultivate” Mean?
At its most basic, to cultivate means to prepare the land and care for it. This ensures that plants have the best chance to grow. In ancient Israel, this was a daily reality. People depended on the land for their survival, so knowing how to work the ground was essential.
But in the Bible, “cultivate” is about more than just farming. It’s used as a picture to teach us how we should live our lives. We should take care of what’s been given to us. We should also grow as people.
Examples from the Bible
· Genesis 2:15: Right at the beginning, God puts Adam in the Garden of Eden. His job? To “cultivate and keep it.” This wasn’t just about pulling weeds or planting flowers—it was about taking responsibility for the whole garden. It shows that God wants people to partner with Him in looking after the world.
· Proverbs 24:30-34: The writer walks by a neglected field, overgrown with thorns and weeds. The message is simple: If you don’t put effort into cultivating your land—or your life—things quickly fall apart. Laziness leads to disorder, while hard work keeps things healthy.
· Matthew 13:3-9 (The Parable of the Sower): Jesus tells a story about a farmer scattering seeds. Some land on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil where they grow strong. The “good soil” is like a person who’s open and ready to hear God’s message. We need to work on our hearts. It’s akin to how a gardener works on the soil. This effort is important if we want to grow spiritually.
· Galatians 6:7-9: The Bible says whatever you plant, you’ll harvest. This isn’t just about seeds—it’s about our choices. If you put in good, loving actions, you’ll see good results in time. If you only think about yourself, the results won’t be so great. The verse encourages us not to give up. It states that at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Why Does This Matter?
Cultivation in the Bible is really about stewardship—taking care of what you’ve been given. It’s also about growth, whether that’s growing food, growing in character, or growing closer to God.
The Bible uses cultivation as a picture for life. Farmers work the land with patience and care. In the same way, we’re encouraged to be intentional about how we live. We should also be mindful of how we treat others and how we invest in our relationship with God.
Putting It into Practice
You don’t need to be a farmer to “cultivate” in your everyday life. Here are a few practical ways this idea shows up:
· Work on your faith: Set aside time for prayer, reading the Bible, or just being quiet with God. Like tending a garden, it takes regular attention.
· Take care of relationships: Building family and friendships takes effort, just like growing plants. Be intentional about kindness, forgiveness, and listening.
· Be responsible: Care for what’s around you. This includes your job, your home, or your environment. Even small actions matter.
· Keep going: Sometimes results don’t show up right away. The Bible reminds us not to give up because good things often take time to grow.
In Short
“Cultivate” in the Bible means more than just farming. It’s a call to live with purpose. It’s about caring for God’s world and growing in faith and goodness. Just as a well-tended garden brings beauty and fruit, a well-cultivated life blesses us and those around us.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 