### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sporá**, represented by `{{G4701}}`, serves as a term for **a sowing**, which by implication means **parentage** or **seed**. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single usage highly significant. The term points to a source or origin, specifically in the context of birth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G4701}}` is used metaphorically to explain the nature of spiritual regeneration. The verse contrasts being born again from a **corruptible seed** with being born from an **incorruptible** one [[1 Peter 1:23]]. This sets a clear distinction between a perishable, physical origin and a divine, imperishable one. The source of this new parentage is explicitly identified as "the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" [[1 Peter 1:23]], establishing the foundation for a believer's new life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{G4701}}`:
* `{{G313}}` **anagennáō** (to beget or (by extension) bear (again)): This verb establishes the theme of new birth, describing the action of being "born again" [[1 Peter 1:23]] or "begotten us again" [[1 Peter 1:3]], for which `sporá` is the seed.
* `{{G5349}}` **phthartós** (decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable): This adjective is used to describe the kind of **seed** from which believers are *not* born, highlighting the temporary nature of earthly things like a "corruptible crown" [[1 Corinthians 9:25]] or physical lineage [[1 Peter 1:23]].
* `{{G862}}` **áphthartos** (undecaying (in essence or continuance):--not (in-, un-)corruptible, immortal): In direct contrast to `phthartós`, this word defines the nature of the true spiritual **seed**. It is **incorruptible**, connecting the new birth to an **incorruptible** inheritance [[1 Peter 1:4]] and the **uncorruptible** God [[Romans 1:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4701}}` centers on the doctrine of regeneration.
* **The Nature of New Birth:** The word establishes that spiritual birth is not a reformation of an old life but a new "parentage" from a different source. Believers are born again, **not** `{{G3756}}` **of** `{{G1537}}` **corruptible** `{{G5349}}` **seed** `{{G4701}}`, signifying a complete break from a fallen origin.
* **The Source of Eternal Life:** The **seed** is defined as **incorruptible** `{{G862}}`, linking it directly to an eternal source. This is confirmed by the description of its agent, "the word of God," which **liveth** `{{G2198}}` and **abideth** `{{G3306}}` for **ever** `{{G165}}`, as stated in [[1 Peter 1:23]].
* **The Power of God's Word:** The passage identifies the **word** `{{G3056}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` as the means **by** `{{G1223}}` which this incorruptible sowing occurs. This demonstrates that God's Word is not merely informational but is the active, life-giving agent of salvation, described elsewhere as **quick** `{{G2198}}` and powerful [[Hebrews 4:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4701}}` is a rare but potent term. While its literal meaning is a "sowing" or "seed," its theological application in scripture is profound. Its single use in [[1 Peter 1:23]] provides a foundational concept for the Christian understanding of new birth, contrasting the perishable nature of human parentage with the eternal, incorruptible parentage that comes from the living word of God. It powerfully illustrates how one word can define the very source and nature of a believer's spiritual life.
TRV