### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σπόρος (spóros) is derived directly from the verb σπείρω (speirō, `{{G4687}}`), meaning "to sow." Its fundamental meaning is "seed," referring specifically to that which is scattered or sown for the purpose of growth and propagation. Semantically, it is primarily a concrete term, denoting the physical germinating agent. However, in its biblical usage, σπόρος carries profound metaphorical and theological weight, representing the potential for life, development, and fruitfulness inherent within the "seed" of God's divine activity. While its literal range is narrow, its contextual application expands its significance considerably.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σπόρος appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each occurrence is rich with theological implication:
* **[[Luke 8:5]]**: In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus states, "A sower went out to sow his seed (σπόρος)." Here, σπόρος refers to the literal seed scattered by the sower. Crucially, Jesus later interprets this seed in [[Luke 8:11]] as "the word of God," establishing a foundational metaphor for the divine message as the generative agent of spiritual life. The varying outcomes of the seed falling on different types of ground illustrate the diverse receptivity of human hearts to this divine word.
* **[[2 Corinthians 9:10]]**: Paul writes, "Now may He who supplies seed (σπόρος) to the sower and bread for food supply and multiply your seed (σπόρος) for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." In this passage concerning generous giving, σπόρος is used twice. First, it refers to the material resources God provides to believers for their acts of charity ("seed to the sower"). Second, it metaphorically represents the opportunities and means for generosity that God multiplies for the believer, leading to a spiritual "harvest of righteousness." This illustrates a principle of divine provision and multiplication in response to faithful stewardship and liberality.
* **[[1 Peter 1:23]]**: Peter declares that believers have been "born again, not of perishable seed (σπόρος) but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God." This verse presents a powerful contrast between two kinds of "seed." "Perishable seed" refers to human procreation or natural birth, which is mortal and temporary. "Imperishable seed," however, refers to the divine, eternal source of spiritual regeneration. This imperishable seed is explicitly identified with "the living and abiding word of God," echoing the metaphor in Luke's Gospel. This passage underscores the divine origin and eternal nature of the new birth experienced by believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of σπόρος is significantly enhanced by its relationship to other key biblical terms:
* **σπείρω (speirō, `{{G4687}}`)**: The verb "to sow," from which σπόρος is derived, is intrinsically linked. The act of sowing is essential for the seed to fulfill its purpose. The sower, the act, and the seed form a cohesive agricultural metaphor.
* **λόγος (logos, `{{G3056}}`)**: "Word." In pivotal passages ([[Luke 8:11]], [[1 Peter 1:23]]), σπόρος is directly equated with "the word of God." This connection is central to understanding the power and efficacy of God's message.
* **καρπός (karpos, `{{G2590}}`)**: "Fruit." The ultimate aim of sowing seed is to produce fruit. This connection is evident in the "harvest of righteousness" mentioned in [[2 Corinthians 9:10]], where the "seed" of generosity yields spiritual fruit.
* **παλιγγενεσία (paliggenesia, `{{G3824}}`)**: "Regeneration" or "new birth." The concept of being "born again" through "imperishable seed" in [[1 Peter 1:23]] directly links σπόρος to the theological doctrine of spiritual rebirth and transformation.
* **ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`)**: "Work" or "deed." In the context of [[2 Corinthians 9:10]], the "seed" of generosity leads to a "harvest of righteousness," implying righteous deeds and a transformed life as the outcome.
### Theological Significance
The word σπόρος, though simple in its literal meaning, carries profound theological weight in the New Testament:
* **The Life-Giving Power of God's Word:** The most significant theological insight is the consistent identification of σπόρος with "the word of God." This metaphor highlights that God's Word is not merely information but a dynamic, living, and inherently powerful agent capable of initiating spiritual life and growth. Just as a physical seed contains the blueprint for a plant, God's Word contains the divine power for regeneration and transformation.
* **Divine Initiative in Salvation:** The imagery of the sower and the seed underscores God's sovereign initiative in salvation. He is the one who provides the "seed" (His Word) and creates the conditions for its growth. Human response, while crucial, is always a response to God's prior action.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Regeneration:** In [[1 Peter 1:23]], σπόρος is foundational to understanding the new birth. Being born "of imperishable seed" signifies that spiritual life is not derived from human lineage, effort, or perishable earthly means, but from the eternal and incorruptible Word of God. This new life is therefore as enduring as its divine source.
* **Principles of Sowing and Reaping:** The use of σπόρος in [[2 Corinthians 9:10]] extends the agricultural metaphor to Christian living, particularly in the realm of generosity. It teaches that God provides resources ("seed") for believers to "sow" through acts of giving, and that this sowing will result in a multiplied "harvest" of righteousness and blessing. This principle applies to spiritual investment as well as material.
* **Human Responsibility and Receptivity:** While the seed (Word) possesses inherent power, its effectiveness is contingent upon the "soil" (the human heart). The Parable of the Sower emphasizes the importance of a receptive heart that allows the seed to take root, grow, and produce fruit, highlighting human responsibility in responding to God's Word.
### Summary
The Greek word σπόρος (spóros), primarily meaning "seed," serves as a rich and potent metaphor in the New Testament. Derived from the verb "to sow" (σπείρω, `{{G4687}}`), it is most notably identified with "the word of God" ([[Luke 8:11]], [[1 Peter 1:23]]), emphasizing the divine Word's inherent, life-giving power. This "imperishable seed" is the source of spiritual regeneration, leading believers to be "born again" into an eternal life that transcends the perishable nature of earthly existence. Furthermore, σπόρος illustrates the divine principle of sowing and reaping, particularly in the context of Christian generosity, where God provides "seed" (resources) for believers to "sow," promising a multiplied "harvest of righteousness" ([[2 Corinthians 9:10]]). Ultimately, σπόρος underscores God's sovereign initiative, the transformative power of His Word, and the call for human receptivity to cultivate the divine life within.
TRV