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.
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.
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.
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.
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