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G4690 · Greek · New Testament
σπέρμα
sperma
Noun, neuter
seed; offspring; descendants

Definition

From speirō (G4687, to sow). Sperma means seed (literal), offspring, descendants, posterity. One of the most theologically significant words in Scripture, used for agricultural seed, biological offspring, and the promised 'Seed' of Genesis — ultimately Christ Himself.

Usage & Theological Significance

The word sperma carries the entire weight of the Abrahamic promise and its fulfillment in Christ. Genesis 3:15 — the promise of the Seed who would crush the serpent — is the protoevangelium, the first gospel. The singular 'offspring' (sperma) threads through the covenant with Abraham: In your seed all nations will be blessed (Gen. 22:18). Paul in Galatians 3:16 makes the decisive exegetical move: the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed — not seeds (plural) but seed (singular), meaning one person, who is Christ. The singular sperma = Christ. All covenant promise is concentrated in Him. Yet in Christ, all believers become Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29). The biological becomes spiritual; the narrow becomes universal. John 12:24 adds the paschal dimension: unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces many seeds. Christ is the singular sperma who dies and rises to produce a harvest of many.

Key Bible Verses

Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say seeds (plural) but seed (singular), meaning one person, who is Christ.
John 12:24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring (spermati).
Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Genesis 22:18 And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

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