from σπείρω; something sown, i.e. seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting):--issue, seed.
Transliteration:spérma
Pronunciation:sper'-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σπέρμα (spérma, `{{G4690}}`) derives from the verb σπείρω (speirō, `{{G4687}}`), meaning "to sow." Its fundamental meaning is "something sown," specifically "seed." This literal sense encompasses both botanical seeds (e.g., for planting crops) and biological "sperm" or seminal fluid, the male reproductive element.
Beyond its literal applications, σπέρμα extends semantically to denote "offspring," "descendants," or "posterity." This is a highly significant usage in biblical theology, especially in relation to covenant promises. Figuratively, it can also imply a "remnant," signifying a preserved group or lineage, as if a portion has been kept over for future planting or continuation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of σπέρμα in the New Testament reflect its diverse semantic range:
1. **Literal Seed (Botanical):** Frequently used in parables, particularly those concerning the kingdom of God, to describe the physical seed sown by a farmer. Examples include the parable of the sower ([[Matthew 13:3]], [[Mark 4:26]], [[Luke 8:5]]) and the mustard seed ([[Matthew 13:31]], [[Mark 4:31]], [[Luke 13:19]]). In these contexts, σπέρμα represents the Word of God or the initial, humble beginnings of the kingdom.
2. **Biological Seed/Sperm:** Used in contexts of human procreation, referring to the male contribution to conception. A notable instance is [[Hebrews 11:11]], describing Sarah's ability to conceive "through faith, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had made the promise."
3. **Offspring/Descendants (Most Prevalent & Theologically Significant):** This is the predominant and most profound use of σπέρμα.
* **Abraham's Seed:** The term is central to the Abrahamic covenant. It refers to Abraham's physical descendants ([[John 8:33]], [[Romans 9:7]]), but more crucially, it is reinterpreted by Paul to signify a spiritual lineage. In [[Galatians 3:16]], Paul argues that the promise was made to Abraham and to his "seed" (singular), referring not to many descendants but to "one, that is, Christ." This singular "seed" is the means by which all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, become Abraham's spiritual offspring ([[Galatians 3:29]], [[Romans 4:13]], [[Romans 4:16]]).
* **David's Seed:** The term also applies to the lineage of David, specifically in reference to the Messiah ([[2 Timothy 2:8]]), affirming Jesus's fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.
* **General Posterity:** It can denote a broader lineage or posterity, such as in [[Acts 7:5]] regarding Abraham's lack of an heir, or in [[Revelation 12:17]] where the "rest of her seed" refers to believers who keep God's commands and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
4. **Remnant (Figurative):** While not as explicit as its Hebrew counterpart (זרע, `{{H2233}}`) in the Old Testament, the idea of a preserved "seed" or remnant is conveyed, particularly in passages referencing Old Testament prophecies. For instance, [[Romans 9:29]] quotes Isaiah 1:9, "If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom and been made like Gomorrah." Here, "seed" implies a small, preserved group through whom God's purposes will continue.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σπείρω (speirō, `{{G4687}}`):** The verb "to sow," the root of σπέρμα. Understanding the act of sowing illuminates the nature of the "seed" as that which is planted with the expectation of growth and fruit.
* **τέκνον (teknon, `{{G5043}}`):** Child, offspring. While similar to σπέρμα in referring to descendants, τέκνον often emphasizes the individual child, whereas σπέρμα frequently highlights lineage, continuity, or a collective group (e.g., "the seed of Abraham").
* **γένος (genos, `{{G1085}}`):** Race, kind, stock, family. This term is broader than σπέρμα, referring to a general category or lineage, while σπέρμα often carries specific covenantal or biological implications.
* **זרע (zera', `{{H2233}}`):** The primary Hebrew equivalent in the Old Testament. Like σπέρμα, it encompasses physical seed, offspring, descendants, and a preserved remnant. The Septuagint's consistent translation of זרע by σπέρμα underscores the deep continuity between Old and New Testament covenant theology. The Abrahamic promise in Genesis is foundational to the New Testament's understanding of σπέρμα.
* **Covenant Theology:** The concept of "seed" is absolutely central to the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, providing the framework for understanding God's progressive revelation and fulfillment of His promises.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** The "seed" promised to Abraham and David finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σπέρμα is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** The term highlights God's faithfulness across generations, particularly in fulfilling His promises to Abraham. It signifies a continuous thread of divine purpose from the patriarchs through Christ to the Church.
2. **Christ as the Ultimate Seed:** Paul's interpretation in [[Galatians 3:16]] is revolutionary: the singular "seed" to whom the promises were made is Christ. This means that the Abrahamic blessings flow *through* Christ. This reorients the understanding of the covenant from a focus on ethnic descent to a focus on the person and work of Christ.
3. **Inclusion of Gentiles by Faith:** Because Christ is the singular "seed," all who are "in Christ" by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, become spiritual "seed of Abraham" and heirs according to the promise ([[Galatians 3:29]]). This breaks down ethnic and nationalistic barriers, demonstrating God's universal salvific intent.
4. **The Church as God's Spiritual Offspring:** Believers, united in Christ, constitute the true "seed" of Abraham, fulfilling the promise of a vast posterity that cannot be numbered ([[Genesis 15:5]]). The Church is thus the spiritual inheritor of the covenant promises.
5. **Divine Preservation and the Remnant:** The concept of a "seed" also speaks to God's sovereign preservation of a people for Himself, even in times of widespread apostasy or judgment. Like a small, vital seed, God preserves a remnant through whom His purposes will continue ([[Romans 9:29]]).
6. **The Promise of New Life:** In a broader sense, the idea of "seed" relates to new life and spiritual regeneration. Just as a physical seed contains life and produces fruit, so God's "seed" (His Word, His Spirit) brings forth spiritual life in believers.
### Summary
σπέρμα (spérma, `{{G4690}}`) is a rich Greek term, initially denoting "seed" in both botanical and biological contexts. Its most significant biblical usage, however, is its extension to "offspring" or "descendants." In the New Testament, σπέρμα is pivotal for understanding the Abrahamic covenant, with Paul's profound revelation in Galatians that the singular "seed" refers to Christ. This reinterpretation establishes that all who are "in Christ" by faith, regardless of their ethnic background, become the spiritual "seed of Abraham" and heirs to the promises. The term thus underscores God's faithful continuity in His redemptive plan, culminating in Christ and embracing the Church as His chosen posterity. It powerfully signifies divine promise, lineage, and the spiritual inheritance of believers, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's covenant.
TRV