Brief Overview of σπορά (Strong’s G4701: spora)

Strong’s G4701: A noun denoting seed, sowing, or the act of sowing, derived from σπείρω (to sow). In biblical usage, particularly significant in 1 Peter, where it metaphorically represents spiritual regeneration through the imperishable seed of God’s Word.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπορά embodies both the literal concept of seed/sowing and profound spiritual truth. In agricultural contexts, it refers to the seed itself and the act of sowing, but in the New Testament, it takes on deep theological significance. Peter uses it to describe spiritual rebirth through God’s imperishable seed – His Word. Early church fathers extensively used this agricultural metaphor to explain how divine life is implanted in believers through the Gospel. Today, σπορά continues to illuminate how God’s Word, as living seed, generates and sustains spiritual life in believers, emphasizing both the initial moment of regeneration and the ongoing process of spiritual growth.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπορά, spora, SPO-rah
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + o (as in go) + rah (as in raw)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root verb σπείρω (speirō) – to sow
• -ρα (-ra) suffix – forms abstract nouns from verbs
• Indicates result or process of action

D – Defining Meanings

• Seed (literal)
• Act of sowing
• Origin or source (metaphorical)
• Process of reproduction

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a derived noun

Translation Options:

• “Seed” – emphasizes the generative element
• “Sowing” – highlights the process aspect
• “Origin” – captures metaphorical usage for source/beginning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπέρμα (sperma) [SPER-mah] – seed, offspring – See G4690
• σπόρος (sporos) [SPO-ros] – seed for sowing – See G4703
• σπείρω (speirō) [SPAY-roh] – to sow (verb) – See G4687

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: σπορά (seed/sowing)
• Genitive singular: σπορᾶς (of seed/sowing)
• Dative plural: σποραῖς (in/with seeds/sowings)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in regeneration. Thayer’s notes both literal and figurative meanings. LSJ documents agricultural origins. Vine’s highlights its connection to spiritual birth. Strong’s connects it to divine origin. LEH traces Septuagint agricultural usage. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Peter 1:23: “having been born again, not of corruptible seed [σπορά] but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σπορά beautifully illustrates how the Messiah’s life is reproduced in believers through His Word. It proclaims the good news that spiritual rebirth isn’t of human origin but comes through God’s imperishable seed. This reveals both the divine source of salvation and its permanent nature – we are born again through an imperishable seed that guarantees eternal life.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in ancient agricultural contracts
• Early Christians used it to explain both baptismal regeneration and ongoing spiritual growth
• It shares the same root as modern scientific terms related to reproduction

Strong’s G4701: A noun denoting seed, sowing, or the act of sowing, derived from σπείρω (to sow). In biblical usage, particularly significant in 1 Peter, where it metaphorically represents spiritual regeneration through the imperishable seed of God’s Word.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: seed, regeneration, new-birth, Gods-word, spiritual-growth, agriculture, metaphor, reproduction, salvation, eternal-life, divine-origin, Peters-epistles, spiritual-reproduction, gospel-metaphors, spiritual-birth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​