σπόρος (sporos)
sporos
seed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sporos refers specifically to seed intended for sowing, rather than grain harvested for food or fuel. Derived from the verb speirō ("to scatter"), it denotes the raw material of agricultural potential. In the New Testament, this word appears in five verses, primarily within the Gospels and Second Corinthians, where it anchors metaphors about growth and generosity.
Jesus uses sporos to illustrate the mysterious nature of the Kingdom of God. In Mark 4:26-27, he describes a man who scatters seed on the ground and sleeps, unaware of how the earth causes it to sprout and grow. Similarly, in Luke 8:5 and 8:11, the word identifies the seed as the "word of God," emphasizing that its power lies in what is sown rather than the sower’s effort.
The Apostle Paul extends this imagery in Second Corinthians 9:10. He describes God as the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. Here, sporos takes on a metaphorical weight: just as agricultural seed yields a harvest, acts of generosity (almsgiving) produce spiritual fruit. The word highlights the principle that giving is not an end in itself, but a planting action that leads to future increase.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word sporos refers to the raw material of agricultural potential—seed specifically intended for sowing rather than grain for immediate consumption. In Mark 4:26-27, Jesus uses this imagery to describe the Kingdom of God as a process that unfolds independently of human control. A farmer scatters the seed and sleeps, trusting that the earth will cause it to sprout and grow in its own time.
This concept extends beyond agriculture into our daily generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:10, Paul describes God as the one who supplies seed to the sower. Here, sporos represents acts of giving that are planted with the expectation of spiritual fruit. It reminds us that our contributions are not lost but are invested in a harvest we may not immediately see.
Understanding this word encourages patience and trust. Whether facing personal growth or seeking opportunities to serve others, sporos highlights that true increase comes from God’s provision rather than our own strenuous effort. We plant what we have been given, leaving the results to His faithful hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- seed5×
- seed for sowing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σπόρον4×
- σπόρος2×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:26
He said, “God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth,
This verse introduces sporos as the central metaphor for the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that its growth is mysterious and independent of human control.
-
Luke 8:11
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Here Jesus explicitly defines sporos as 'the word of God,' shifting the focus from agricultural yield to the transformative power of divine teaching.
-
II Corinthians 9:10
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
Paul uses sporos metaphorically to describe how God multiplies our resources for generosity, linking physical seed to spiritual fruitfulness.