Brief Overview of σπέρμα (Strong’s G4690: sperma)

Strong’s G4690: A neuter noun meaning seed, both literally and figuratively. In New Testament usage, it carries profound theological significance, referring to physical descendants, spiritual offspring, and the Word of God. Most importantly, it identifies the Messiah as the promised seed of Abraham.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπέρμα bridges natural and spiritual realms in Scripture, carrying meanings from agricultural seed to genealogical descent. Its richest theological significance appears in references to the Messiah as the promised seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16). In Jesus’ parables, it represents God’s Word planted in human hearts. The early church recognized its dual significance in both messianic prophecy fulfillment and spiritual reproduction. Today, it continues to teach us about both our spiritual heritage in the Messiah and our role in spreading God’s Word.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπέρμα, sperma, /ˈsper.ma/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SPER-mah”
• Part of Speech: Neuter Noun

Etymology:

• Root: σπερ- (sper-) from σπείρω (“to sow”)
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) forming concrete nouns
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *sper- (“to scatter”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Seed (botanical)
• Secondary meaning: Offspring, descendant
• Theological meaning: Divine word or promise

Translation Options:

• Seed – Most versatile translation covering all meanings
• Offspring – When referring to descendants
• Posterity – When emphasizing lineage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπόρος (sporos) /ˈspo.ros/ – Seed for sowing – See G4703
• τέκνον (teknon) /ˈtek.non/ – Child, offspring – See G5043
• γένος (genos) /ˈge.nos/ – Race, offspring – See G1085

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative: σπέρμα (sperma)
• Genitive: σπέρματος (spermatos)
• Dative: σπέρματι (spermati)
• Plural: σπέρματα (spermata)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range from literal to theological meanings. Thayer’s highlights its messianic significance. LSJ traces its development in classical usage. Vine’s notes its importance in covenant promises. Moulton and Milligan document its common agricultural usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 13:24: “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed [σπέρμα] in his field.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 13:27, Mark 12:19, John 7:42, Acts 3:25, Romans 4:13, Galatians 3:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπέρμα powerfully connects the natural and spiritual realms, pointing ultimately to Jesus as the promised seed who fulfills all God’s covenant promises. Through Him, we become Abraham’s spiritual seed, inheriting the promises and continuing the spiritual lineage of faith.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears 44 times in the New Testament
• It influenced modern scientific terms like “sperm” and “spermology”
• Paul’s interpretation of “seed” in Galatians 3:16 became foundational for Christian theology

Strong’s G4690: A neuter noun encompassing both literal seed and metaphorical offspring, particularly significant in messianic prophecy. Its use ranges from agricultural parables to theological discussions of covenant promises, ultimately pointing to Jesus as Abraham’s promised seed.

Part of speech: Neuter Noun

Tags: seed, offspring, descendant, Abraham, covenant, promise, Messiah, parable, genealogy, Galatians​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​