If I ask what a husband is today, the definitions could vary considerably, depending, of course, upon what kind a day a wife is having…
This English word is derived from a combination of the Scandinavian words “hús” and “bóndi.” Húsbóndi meant “house occupier.” I actually have a college degree in Animal Husbandry but, for over fifty years, I never felt so inclined to investigate the morphology of this term. That happened only after I learned that the true Biblical meaning of the word “husband” was much more encompassing than a dictionary or a certificate of learning could ever suggest.
In fact, being a husbandman is one of the primary characteristics of a godly man.
But how does he do that?
Perhaps by first understanding what husbandry actually is. Efficiency is the key. A husbandman builds upon what he has and makes it better. He takes his extensive knowledge of something and combines it with a passion to make it thrive and prosper for him and those who depend on him.
Jesus’ parable about being productive with resources [or talents] provides a comprehensive model of effective husbandry. [Matt. 25:14-40] A successful husbandman seeks to understand his domain well and strives to learn how to connect, cultivate and invest in it wisely. But it isn’t limited to his relationship with his wife.
It might also include a cornfield or a mission field. Or maybe a herd of cattle or a flock of the Lord’s sheep.
But, whatever it is that he does, he does it for his Master since he understands that, while redemption is wholly unearned, the reward of an inheritance in the coming kingdom [1] is based on works. [Col. 3:23-24]. The true husbandman is focused more on the welfare and fertility of his domain than he is on personal status.
The Lord’s mandate for man to work was both defined and demonstrated consistently in form and function. [see: Gen. 2:5-15] His realm of responsible husbandry extends well beyond that of his occupation, wife and family to include everything in his domain.
He acquires. He sows. He cultivates. He guards. Then he reaps.