The term "seminal" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, it is a concept that can be explored through its implications in Scripture. The word "seminal" generally refers to something that is highly influential, original, or formative, often in the context of ideas or developments that give rise to further growth or evolution. In a biblical context, this can be applied to key events, teachings, or figures that have had a foundational impact on the development of Christian theology and practice.

Creation and the Fall

The creation narrative in Genesis is seminal in its establishment of the fundamental relationship between God and humanity. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage is foundational for understanding human identity and purpose. The subsequent fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, is another seminal event, introducing sin into the world and setting the stage for the need for redemption.

Covenants

The covenants made by God with figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David are seminal in shaping the narrative of the Bible and God's relationship with His people. For instance, the Abrahamic Covenant, found in Genesis 12:2-3, promises that "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This covenant is foundational for the understanding of God's plan for Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

The Law and the Prophets

The giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai is another seminal moment, as it establishes the moral and ceremonial framework for the Israelites. The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20, are particularly influential, serving as a moral compass for both Jews and Christians. The prophets, who called Israel back to faithfulness, also played a seminal role in preparing the way for the coming of Christ.

The Incarnation and Ministry of Jesus

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most seminal event in the New Testament. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection are central to Christian faith, providing the basis for salvation and the hope of eternal life. His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) are seminal teachings that continue to guide Christian ethics and mission.

The Resurrection and the Early Church

The resurrection of Jesus is a seminal event that confirms His divinity and the truth of His message. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith." The establishment of the early church, as recorded in the Book of Acts, is also seminal, as it marks the spread of the Gospel and the formation of Christian communities.

Theological Implications

Theologically, seminal concepts in the Bible often relate to the doctrines of creation, sin, redemption, and eschatology. These foundational ideas shape the Christian worldview and inform the believer's understanding of God's nature, human purpose, and the ultimate destiny of creation.

In summary, while the term "seminal" is not explicitly used in the Bible, its implications are evident in the foundational events, covenants, teachings, and figures that have profoundly influenced the course of biblical history and Christian theology.1. (a.) Pertaining to seed; providing an origin for development; as, the seminal discovery of new branch of science.

2. (a.) Contained in seed; holding the relation of seed, source, or first principle; holding the first place in a series of developed results or consequents; germinal; radical; primary; original; as, seminal principles of generation; seminal virtue.

3. (n.) A seed.

2233. zera -- a sowing, seed, offspring
... 2), line (1), nation (1), offspring (38), offspring's offspring (1), origin (1),
posterity (1), race (1), seed (48), seedtime (1), seminal (4), seminal* (1 ...
/hebrew/2233.htm - 6k

7902. shekabah -- (act of) lying, a layer
... Word Origin from shakab Definition (act of) lying, a layer NASB Word Usage carnally*
(1), emission (5), intercourse* (1), layer (2), seminal* (1). ...
/hebrew/7902.htm - 6k

2101. zob -- an issue (of fluid)
... Word Origin from zub Definition an issue (of fluid) NASB Word Usage discharge (13).
issue. From zuwb; a seminal or menstrual flux -- issue. see HEBREW zuwb. ...
/hebrew/2101.htm - 6k

Whether There are any Seminal virtues in Corporeal Matter?
... OF THE ACTION OF THE CORPOREAL CREATURE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether there are
any seminal virtues in corporeal matter? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are any seminal.htm

Whether the Seminal Loss that Occurs During Sleep Hinders Anyone ...
... OF THE USE OR RECEIVING OF THIS SACRAMENT IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the
seminal loss that occurs during sleep hinders anyone from receiving this ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the seminal loss that.htm

Whether the Semen is Produced from Surplus Food?
... x, 20) that we were in Adam "not only by seminal virtue, but also in the very substance
of the body." But this would not be, if the semen were produced from ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the semen is produced.htm

The Child in no Sense Formed by Concupiscence.
... which was taken as the material, was not the author of man; so likewise that power
of sexual pleasure which forms and commingles the seminal elements does not ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 26 xiii the child in.htm

Whether Original Sin Would be Contracted by a Person Formed ...
... On the contrary, They would not have been in Adam "according to seminal virtue,"
which alone is the cause of the transmission of original sin, as Augustine ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether original sin would be.htm

Whether the Intellectual Soul is Produced from the Semen?
... It is therefore impossible for the seminal power to produce the intellectual
principle. Again, the seminal power acts by virtue ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the intellectual soul is 3.htm

Whether Christ's Body was in Adam and the Other Patriarchs, as to ...
... But this matter was not fashioned into Christ's body by the seminal power
derived from Adam. Therefore Christ is said to have been ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs body was in.htm

Whether Christ Paid Tithes in Abraham's Loins?
... and Levi, and all the others were in Abraham in such a way so as to be descended
from him, not only as to bodily substance, but also as to seminal virtue, by ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ paid tithes in.htm

Whether the Flesh of Christ was Conceived of the virgin's Purest ...
... Reply to Objection 3: Woman's semen is not apt for generation, but is something
imperfect in the seminal order, which, on account of the imperfection of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the flesh of christ 3.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... produce no seed? To this we reply that many vegetables have their seminal
virtue in the lower part and in the roots. The need, for ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

Seminal (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Pertaining to seed; providing an origin for development; as, the seminal
discovery of new branch of science. ...Seminal (5 Occurrences). ...
/s/seminal.htm - 8k

Semen (6 Occurrences)

/s/semen.htm - 8k

Semis

/s/semis.htm - 6k

Logos
... More particularly as the productive power, the Deity is named the logos spermatikos,
the Seminal Logos or generative principle of the world. ...
/l/logos.htm - 38k

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