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σπόρος

spóros

G4703 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Seed intended for sowing; concretely, the grain or seed that is sown in the earth. By extension, it may denote the act or process of sowing, or (metaphorically) the idea of propagation or origin where sowing is a clear analogy. The primary sense is physical seed for planting, with occasional metaphorical extension to propagation, teaching, or spiritual growth depending on context.

Semantic Range

seed (for sowing), what is sown, process of sowing, metaphorical origin or propagation

Root / Etymology

From the root σπείρω (speirō, 'to sow'); formed as a verbal noun indicating the result or product of sowing—thus, 'that which is sown' (i.e., seed).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σπόρος primarily refers to seed used for sowing, distinguishing it from καρπός, which often denotes fruit or harvest. In the Septuagint and New Testament, σπόρος almost always refers to literal seed that is sown, especially in agricultural and parabolic contexts (e.g., the parable of the sower, Luke 8:5). Its metaphorical use arises from the analogy of sowing to teaching or the spread of ideas, especially in parables, but the underlying image remains that of planting seed with anticipation of growth. Unlike σπέρμα (which can denote seed in the physical, biological, or figurative sense, including offspring or descendants), σπόρος remains concentrated on the agricultural, sown aspect. Standard English translations render σπόρος as 'seed,' but may not adequately express the focus on the act of sowing and the expectation of resulting growth implicit in the term.

Translation Consistency

primary "seed" 6 occurrences

σπόρος primarily denotes the physical seed or what is sown; 'seed' is the natural, common English rendering used in most occurrences and comfortably covers literal and metaphorical senses (what is sown, origin/propagation). It is concise and lends itself to consistent inflection across forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σπείρω; a scattering (of seed), i.e. (concretely) seed (as sown):--seed (X sown).

Root Family

σπόρος (sporos) — seed, that which is sown, sowing

Root σπείρ- to sow, to scatter seed

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4703-01 σπόρον sporon N ACC M SG seed seed for sowing seed for sowing 4
G4703-02 σπόρος sporos N NOM M SG seed sown seed seed 2

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4703-01 Mark 4:26 σπόρον sporon N ACC M SG seed seed for sowing seed for sowing
G4703-02 Mark 4:27 σπόρος sporos N NOM M SG seed sown seed seed
G4703-01 Luke 8:5 σπόρον sporon N ACC M SG seed seed for sowing seed for sowing
G4703-02 Luke 8:11 σπόρος sporos N NOM M SG seed sown seed seed
G4703-01 2 Corinthians 9:10 σπόρον sporon N ACC M SG seed seed for sowing seed for sowing
G4703-01 2 Corinthians 9:10 σπόρον sporon-2 N ACC M SG seed seed for sowing seed for sowing
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