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We Plough The Fields And Scatter
By Jane M. Campbell (1861)
Lyrics
1. We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
Refrain:
All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.
All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.
2. He only is the maker of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star.
The wind and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread.
He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star.
The wind and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread.
3. We thank You, our Creator, for all things bright and good:
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer for all Your love imparts;
Accept what You most welcome: our humble, thankful hearts!
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer for all Your love imparts;
Accept what You most welcome: our humble, thankful hearts!
Bible Reference
James 1:17
Lectionary & readings
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Hymn scripture: James 1:17
About This Hymn
The hymn originates from a German poem “Wir pflügen und wir streuen” by Matthias Claudius, written around 1782 in the context of rural life and gratitude for God’s provision. Campbell, a British musician and poet, translated and adapted it into English in 1861. Her version was not a strictly literal translation, but preserved the central theme of giving thanks to God for all blessings, especially the harvest.
Campbell taught this hymn to children in her father’s parish school and published it in collections such as A Garland of Songs. Over time, it became widely associated with harvest services and Thanksgiving celebrations in English-speaking churches. The tune most commonly paired with it is “Wir Pflügen” (also called WIR PFLÜGEN) which gives a fitting melody to the hymn’s agricultural imagery.
The hymn invites worshippers to recognize that while humans sow and work, it is ultimately God who gives increase — sending sunshine, rain, seasons, and growth. The refrain, “All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above; then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love,” reinforces the posture of gratitude. This hymn continues to be used in many traditions as a song of thanksgiving, especially during harvest, seasons of plenty, and times of reflecting on God’s providence.
From the Dictionary of Hymnology
Related terms and concepts automatically matched to this hymn.
Campbell, Jane Montgomery Biography
Jane Montgomery Campbell (1817–d. Bovey Tracey), translator of “We plough the fields and scatter”; this entry also covers Margaret, Lady Cockburn-Campbell.
Read moreClaudius, Matthias Biography
Matthias Claudius (1740–1815), the “Wandsbeck Messenger,” wrote popular Christian verse. Three pieces entered German hymnals; the harvest song underlies the English “We plough the fields and scatter.”
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