σπορά

seed

Definition

The Greek word σπορά (spora) primarily means 'seed' in the sense of that which is sown. It refers to the physical seed used in agriculture, but in its single New Testament occurrence, it carries a powerful metaphorical meaning. In 1 Peter 1:23, it is used to describe the 'seed' of the living and enduring word of God, from which believers are 'born again.' This shifts the concept from a literal agricultural product to the divine, life-giving agent of spiritual regeneration.

Biblical Usage

Σπορά is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 1:23. Here, it is employed metaphorically, not in an agricultural narrative. The context is Peter's explanation of the new birth, contrasting perishable human life with the imperishable life that comes from God's word. The usage is entirely theological, identifying the word of God as the generative and immortal source of the believer's new spiritual life.

Etymology

Σπορά is a noun derived from the verb σπείρω (speirō, G4687), meaning 'to sow.' It is part of a family of words related to sowing and scattering, such as σπόρος (sporos, G4703), which also means 'seed' or 'sowing.' The root concept is that of dissemination and generative potential, which naturally extended from agriculture to metaphorical uses for origins and causes.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it defines the mechanism of spiritual rebirth. In 1 Peter 1:23, understanding σπορά as the 'seed' clarifies that salvation and new life are not self-generated but are implanted by the external, powerful word of God. This reinforces doctrines of regeneration by grace and the authority and efficacy of Scripture as the living agent that produces eternal life, contrasting it with mortal, human origins.

In an agrarian society, seed was universally understood as the source of life and future harvest, representing hope, potential, and the necessary starting point for growth. Peter's audience would immediately grasp the imagery of something small and seemingly inert containing the power for new life. The metaphor powerfully connects the familiar, tangible reality of farming to the spiritual reality of being born again through God's word.

σπόρος (sporos, G4703) — A near synonym also meaning 'seed' or 'sowing,' used in literal agricultural contexts like the Parable of the Sower (e.g., Mark 4:26-27).

Word Details

Scripture References