### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **speírō**, represented by `{{G4687}}`, means **to scatter or sow**, used both literally and figuratively. It appears 58 times in 42 unique verses in the Bible. The term can describe the act of sowing seed in a field, as well as the concept of receiving seed, highlighting its agricultural roots and broader metaphorical applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4687}}` is used in several significant contexts, most notably in the Parable of the Sower. Here, the act of **sowing** is directly equated with spreading the word of God [[Mark 4:14]]. The different types of ground where the seed falls represent how people receive the word ([[Matthew 13:19]], [[Matthew 13:23]]). The term also establishes a core spiritual principle: one will **reap** what one **sows** [[Galatians 6:7]]. This is applied to generosity, where **sowing** bountifully leads to a bountiful harvest [[2 Corinthians 9:6]], and to the flesh versus the Spirit, where **sowing** to the Spirit leads to everlasting life [[Galatians 6:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the agricultural and spiritual concepts associated with **sowing**:
* `{{G4690}}` **spérma** (seed): This word, meaning **something sown** or **offspring**, is the object of the action of `{{G4687}}`. In the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, the good **seed** represents the children of the kingdom [[Matthew 13:37]].
* `{{G2325}}` **therízō** (reap): Defined as **to harvest**, this is the direct outcome of sowing. Scripture repeatedly links the two actions, stating that one will **reap** what one has sown ([[Galatians 6:7]], [[2 Corinthians 9:6]]).
* `{{G2215}}` **zizánion** (tares): This word for **darnel or false grain** is used to describe what the enemy **sowed** among the wheat, representing the children of the wicked one [[Matthew 13:25]].
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós** (fruit): This term for **fruit** represents the result or yield of what is sown. James describes how the **fruit** of righteousness is **sown** in peace [[James 3:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4687}}` is significant, establishing key principles of Christian life and doctrine.
* **Spiritual Cause and Effect:** The concept of **sowing** and reaping establishes a foundational principle of spiritual accountability. Actions have consequences, whether one **sows** to the flesh and reaps **corruption** `{{G5356}}`, or **sows** to the Spirit and reaps eternal life [[Galatians 6:8]].
* **The Proclamation of the Word:** `{{G4687}}` is the central metaphor for spreading the gospel. The sower is identified as one who **sows** the word [[Mark 4:14]], with the Son of Man himself being the one who **sows** the good seed [[Matthew 13:37]].
* **The Nature of Resurrection:** The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of **sowing** to explain the transformation from the physical body to the resurrected spiritual body. The body is **sown** in corruption, dishonor, and weakness, but it is **raised** `{{G1453}}` in incorruption, glory, and power [[1 Corinthians 15:42-43]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4687}}` is far more than a simple agricultural verb. It serves as a cornerstone metaphor in the New Testament for understanding spiritual laws and divine processes. From the Parable of the Sower illustrating the reception of the gospel [[Matthew 13:3]] to the immutable principle that one reaps what one **sows** [[Galatians 6:7]] and the profound analogy for the resurrection of the body [[1 Corinthians 15:44]], **speírō** provides a tangible framework for abstract spiritual truths. It powerfully illustrates concepts of accountability, evangelism, and the hope of transformation.
TRV