Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "seed" carries significant theological and symbolic weight, appearing frequently throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The concept of "seed" is used to denote physical offspring, spiritual descendants, and the Word of God itself. This entry explores the multifaceted use of "seed" in the Bible, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.Physical Offspring and Lineage The term "seed" is often used to refer to physical descendants or offspring. In Genesis 1:11-12 , God commands the earth to bring forth vegetation, "plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in them." This establishes the natural order of reproduction and continuity of life. The promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17 further emphasizes the importance of seed: "I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore." Here, "seed" signifies the numerous descendants that will come from Abraham, forming a great nation. Covenantal Promises The concept of seed is central to the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs. In Genesis 17:7 , God declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." The seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as it is through this lineage that the Messiah would come. Messianic Prophecy The prophetic use of "seed" is evident in the promise of a coming Messiah. In Genesis 3:15 , God speaks to the serpent, saying, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel." This verse is often interpreted as the first messianic prophecy, foretelling the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan. The "seed" of the woman is understood to be Jesus Christ, who would defeat sin and death. Spiritual Descendants In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expands the concept of seed to include spiritual descendants. In Galatians 3:29 , Paul writes, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." Here, "seed" transcends physical lineage, encompassing all who have faith in Christ. Believers are considered the spiritual seed of Abraham, inheriting the promises made to him. The Word of God The metaphorical use of "seed" is also applied to the Word of God. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains that the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11). The parable illustrates how the seed, when sown on different types of soil, produces varying results, symbolizing the reception of God's word in the hearts of people. The seed that falls on good soil represents those who hear the word, retain it, and produce a fruitful harvest. Conclusion The biblical concept of "seed" is rich and varied, encompassing themes of physical lineage, covenantal promises, messianic prophecy, spiritual inheritance, and the transformative power of God's word. Through the lens of "seed," the Bible reveals the continuity of God's plan from creation to redemption, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in the life of believers. Library section 4 Fifteenth Day for Schools and Colleges All the Principles of Piety Subverted by Fanatics, who Substitute ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Testimony of the Spirit Necessary to Give Full Authority to ... Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... A Sermon on the Parable of a King that Married his Son, Made by ... Of Immediate Revelation. Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Thesaurus Seed's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Seed's (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 59:21 "As for me, this is my covenant with them," says Yahweh. "My Spirit ... /s/seed's.htm - 6k Seeds (24 Occurrences) Offspring's (1 Occurrence) Seed-stones (1 Occurrence) Children's (28 Occurrences) Evermore (44 Occurrences) Mouths (86 Occurrences) Henceforth (68 Occurrences) Resources What are actuality and potentiality? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Seed's (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 59:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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