Brief Overview of σπόρος (Strong’s G4703: sporos)

Strong’s G4703: A noun referring to seed for sowing, derived from σπείρω (to sow). In New Testament usage, particularly significant in Jesus’ parables where it symbolizes God’s Word and its life-giving power. The term emphasizes the reproductive and transformative nature of spiritual truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπόρος carries both agricultural and profound spiritual significance in the New Testament. While literally referring to seed meant for sowing, it becomes a powerful metaphor in Jesus’ teaching, particularly in the parables of the Kingdom. The word emphasizes not just the seed itself but its potential for growth and multiplication. Early church fathers extensively used this agricultural metaphor to explain how divine truth takes root and grows in human hearts. Today, σπόρος continues to illustrate how God’s Word, like seed, contains life within itself and produces fruit when properly received and nurtured.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπόρος, sporos, SPO-ros
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + o (as in or) + ros (as in ross)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From root verb σπείρω (speirō) – to sow
• -ος (-os) suffix – forms concrete nouns from verbs
• Indicates the object or result of action

D – Defining Meanings

• Seed for sowing
• Seed grain
• Sown seed
• Offspring (metaphorical)

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

Translation Options:

• “Seed” – emphasizes the object itself
• “Seed grain” – specifies agricultural purpose
• “Sowing seed” – emphasizes intended use

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπέρμα (sperma) [SPER-mah] – seed, offspring, more general term – See G4690
• σπορά (spora) [SPO-rah] – act of sowing – See G4701
• καρπός (karpos) [kar-POS] – fruit, result of seed – See G2590

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: σπόρος (seed)
• Genitive singular: σπόρου (of seed)
• Dative plural: σπόροις (in/with seeds)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in agricultural contexts and parables. Thayer’s notes its specific reference to seed for sowing. LSJ documents extensive agricultural usage. Vine’s connects it to spiritual teaching. Strong’s highlights its relation to σπείρω. LEH traces Septuagint usage in agricultural contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 4:26: “And He said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed [σπόρος] on the ground.'”

Additional References:
Luke 8:5, Luke 8:11, 2 Corinthians 9:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σπόρος powerfully illustrates how the Kingdom of God grows: from small beginnings to abundant harvest. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah’s Word carries within itself divine life and power for transformation. Like a seed containing all potential for growth, God’s Word contains all we need for spiritual life and fruitfulness.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient farmers often used σπόρος specifically for premium quality seed
• The word appears in legal documents about seed loans and agricultural contracts
• Early Christians used it to explain both evangelism and discipleship processes

Strong’s G4703: A noun referring to seed for sowing, derived from σπείρω (to sow). In New Testament usage, particularly significant in Jesus’ parables where it symbolizes God’s Word and its life-giving power. The term emphasizes the reproductive and transformative nature of spiritual truth.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: seed, sowing, parables, kingdom-of-God, growth, agriculture, Word-of-God, spiritual-growth, farming, Jesus-teaching, evangelism, discipleship, multiplication, spiritual-reproduction, gospel-spread​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​