Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "seed" is rich with metaphorical significance, often symbolizing the Word of God. This imagery is primarily drawn from the teachings of Jesus Christ, who used parables to convey spiritual truths. The metaphor of seed as the Word of God is most prominently featured in the Parable of the Sower, found in the Synoptic Gospels.Parable of the Sower In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes a sower who scatters seed on various types of soil, each representing different responses to the Word of God. The seed that falls on good soil represents those who hear the Word, understand it, and produce a fruitful harvest. In Matthew 13:23 , Jesus explains, "But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop— a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold." The parable illustrates the transformative power of the Word when it is received with an open and obedient heart. The seed's potential to grow and multiply underscores the dynamic and life-giving nature of God's Word. The Word as Living and Active The metaphor of seed emphasizes the living and active quality of the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Just as a seed contains life and the potential for growth, the Word of God is powerful and effective, capable of penetrating the human heart and bringing about spiritual transformation. The Incorruptible Seed The Apostle Peter further develops the metaphor of seed in relation to the enduring nature of the Word. In 1 Peter 1:23 , he writes, "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." Here, the Word is described as an incorruptible seed, highlighting its eternal and unchanging nature. This incorruptible seed is the means by which believers are spiritually reborn, emphasizing the Word's role in salvation and sanctification. The Seed and the Kingdom of God The seed also symbolizes the Kingdom of God, which grows and expands through the proclamation of the Word. In Mark 4:26-29 , Jesus shares the Parable of the Growing Seed: "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how. All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. And as soon as the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle, because the harvest has come." This parable illustrates the mysterious and sovereign work of God in advancing His Kingdom. The growth of the seed is independent of human effort, signifying that the spread of the Kingdom is ultimately the work of God through His Word. The Role of Believers Believers are called to be sowers of the Word, sharing the gospel message with others. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 , acknowledges the collaborative role of believers in this process: "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." This passage underscores the importance of faithful proclamation and reliance on God for the increase. In summary, the metaphor of seed as the Word of God is a profound biblical theme that encapsulates the life-giving, transformative, and enduring nature of God's message. Through the faithful sowing of this seed, the Kingdom of God advances, and lives are changed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 8:11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 1:23 Greek 4059. peritemno -- to cut around, circumcise ... cutting off the "old life," in favor of the which is ( Seed). This starts with being into God's family (personally entering His covenant). Word Origin from ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4059.htm - 8k Library "The Seed is the Word of God. " Radical Exposition. One Seed and Diverse Soils Seed among Thorns Seed Scattered and Taking Root Thus Then the Word of God... How the West Saxons Received the Word of God by the Preaching of ... Recapitulation of the Foregoing Argument, Showing that Abraham ... The Necessity for Praying Men Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ... Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have mustard seed faith? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org Seed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Seed in Egypt Required to be Artificially Watered Seed: Difference Between, and the Plant Which Grows from It, Seed: Each Kind Has Its own Body Seed: Each Kind of, Has Its own Body Seed: Every Herb, Tree and Grass Yields Its Own Seed: Every Herb, Tree, and Grass, Yields Its Own Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Different Kinds of, not to be Sown in the Same Field Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: If Dry, Exempted from Uncleanness Though Touched by An Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: If Wet, Rendered Unclean by Contact With an Unclean Thing Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Not to be Sown During the Sabbatical Year Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Not to be Sown in Year of Jubilee Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: The Tithe of, to be Given to God Seed: Not to be Mingled in Sowing Seed: Often Sown Beside Rivers Seed: Often Trodden Into the Ground, by the Feet of Oxen Seed: Required to be Watered by the Rain Seed: Sowing of Necessary to Its Productiveness Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Danger Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Great Waste Seed: Sowing of Required Constant Diligence Seed: Sowing of Time For, Called Seed Time Seed: Sowing of, Type of Burial of the Body Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Christian Liberality Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Men's Works Producing a Corresponding Recompence Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Preaching the Gospel Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Scattering or Dispersing a People Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of The Burial of the Body Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of The Death of Christ and Its Effects Seed: The Ground Carefully Ploughed, and Prepared For Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Being Choked by Thorns Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Increase Being Consume by Enemies Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Increase Being Consumed by Locusts Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Rotting in the Ground Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Yielding But Little Increase Seed: Yearly Return of Time of Sowing, Secured by Covenant Seed: Yielded an Abundant Increase in Canaan Related Terms |
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