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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **spérma**, represented by `{{G4690}}`, is a term for **seed**. It appears 44 times across 41 unique verses. While its base definition is "something sown," it is used broadly in Scripture to encompass concepts of offspring, lineage, and a divinely preserved remnant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4690}}` functions in both literal and figurative contexts. In parables, it is used literally as an agricultural **seed**, such as the mustard **seed**, which is described as the "least of all seeds" but grows into a great tree [[Matthew 13:32]]. Figuratively, it denotes physical lineage, as Christ comes from the **seed** of David [[Romans 1:3]]. The promise made to Abraham was to his **seed** [[Galatians 3:16]], a concept that also applies to the law of Levirate marriage, where a brother was to "raise up **seed**" for his deceased sibling [[Matthew 22:24]]. The meaning culminates in a spiritual sense, where those who belong to Christ are considered "Abraham's **seed**" [[Galatians 3:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concepts of sowing, offspring, and inheritance:
* `{{G4687}}` **speírō** (to scatter, i.e. sow): This is the verb form from which **spérma** is derived. The relationship is clear in parables where a sower sows `{{G4687}}` good **seed** `{{G4690}}` in a field [[Matthew 13:24]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This is crucial to the fulfillment of the promise. The "good **seed**" in the parable are identified as the **sons** of the kingdom, and the sower is the **Son** of man [[Matthew 13:38]].
* `{{G2818}}` **klēronómos** (heir): This term defines the inheritance connected to being the promised **seed**. Believers who are Abraham's **seed** through Christ are therefore **heirs** according to the promise [[Galatians 3:29]].
* `{{G5043}}` **téknon** (child): This word helps distinguish between physical and spiritual lineage. Scripture clarifies that not all physical descendants are **children** of God, but "the **children** of the promise are counted for the **seed**" [[Romans 9:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4690}}` is immense, tracing God's redemptive plan through history.
* **The Promised Seed:** The promises made to Abraham were not to many descendants ("seeds") but to a singular **seed**, who is identified as Christ [[Galatians 3:16]]. The law itself was added until this promised **seed** would come [[Galatians 3:19]].
* **Spiritual Descendants:** True identity as Abraham's **seed** is determined by faith, not flesh. Those who belong to Christ are counted as Abraham's **seed** and heirs of the promise [[Galatians 3:29]], while not all physical descendants are considered the **seed** in this spiritual sense [[Romans 9:7]].
* **An Enduring Remnant:** The word signifies a preserved remnant. Paul quotes Isaiah, stating that if God had not left a **seed**, Israel would have become like Sodom and Gomorrah [[Romans 9:29]]. This is echoed in Revelation, where the dragon makes **war** `{{G4171}}` with the "remnant of her **seed**" [[Revelation 12:17]].
* **An Inner Principle:** For the believer, the concept is internalized. One who is born of God cannot continue in sin because God's **seed** remains in him [[1 John 3:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4690}}` develops from a simple agricultural noun into a profound theological concept. It traces the line of promise from a literal **seed** sown in a field to the physical lineage of Abraham and David, culminating in the singular, promised **seed**—Jesus Christ. Ultimately, it redefines heritage, establishing that all who are in Christ by faith become the true **seed** of Abraham and heirs of God's eternal promise.
TRV