Brief Overview of σπείρω (Strong’s G4687: speirō)

Strong’s G4687: A verb meaning to sow or scatter seed. In New Testament usage, it carries profound spiritual significance through parables and metaphors, representing the spreading of God’s Word, spiritual investment, and the principle of divine multiplication in kingdom work.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπείρω represents a foundational agricultural act that Jesus transforms into a powerful spiritual metaphor. Beyond its literal meaning of sowing seeds, it becomes a key concept in teaching about the kingdom of God, particularly in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-23). The early church understood this word as describing both evangelism and spiritual investment, seeing in it the principle of spiritual multiplication. Today, it continues to teach us about faithful gospel proclamation and the expectation of God’s supernatural multiplication.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπείρω, speirō, /ˈspei.rɔː/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SPAY-roh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σπερ- (sper-) related to seed
• Derived from Proto-Indo-European *sper- (“to strew”)
• Related to σπέρμα (sperma, “seed”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To sow seed
• Secondary meaning: To scatter
• Metaphorical meaning: To disseminate truth

Translation Options:

• Sow – Most precise agricultural term
• Scatter – Emphasizes the distribution aspect
• Plant – More general agricultural term

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φυτεύω (phuteuō) /phyˈteu.ɔː/ – To plant, specifically plants – See G5452
• διασπείρω (diaspeirō) /di.aˈspei.rɔː/ – To scatter abroad – See G1289
• σπέρμα (sperma) /ˈsper.ma/ – Seed, offspring – See G4690

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present Active: σπείρω (speirō)
• Aorist Active: ἔσπειρα (espeira)
• Perfect Passive: ἔσπαρμαι (esparmai)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its frequent appearance in parables. LSJ traces its agricultural history. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its common usage in agricultural contracts and documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow [σπείρω] nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

Additional References:
Matthew 13:3, Mark 4:3, Luke 8:5, John 4:37, 2 Corinthians 9:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπείρω beautifully illustrates the work of spreading God’s Word and truth. Through this agricultural metaphor, we learn that kingdom work requires faithful sowing, patient waiting, and trust in God’s multiplication. The Gospel spreads as we faithfully sow the seed of God’s Word, trusting Him for the harvest.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears 52 times in the New Testament
• It forms the basis for our word “sperm”
• Ancient farmers would often sing while sowing, a practice referenced in Psalm 126

Strong’s G4687: A verb meaning to sow or scatter seed, used extensively in agricultural metaphors throughout the New Testament. Its spiritual applications include spreading God’s Word, investment in kingdom work, and the principle of divine multiplication in spiritual harvest.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: agriculture, parables, sower, seed, kingdom, evangelism, Matthew, Mark, Luke, harvest, multiplication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​