In the biblical context, the concept of seed-bearing is introduced in the creation narrative and carries significant theological and symbolic meanings throughout Scripture. The term "seed-bearing" primarily refers to the ability of plants to produce seeds, which is foundational to the perpetuation of life on earth. This concept is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis and is integral to understanding God's design and provision for creation.

Creation and Order

The first mention of seed-bearing occurs in Genesis 1:11-12 : "Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.' And it was so. The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Here, seed-bearing plants are part of the ordered creation, reflecting God's wisdom and intentionality. The phrase "according to its kind" emphasizes the divine order and the inherent ability of each species to reproduce and sustain life.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Seed-bearing also holds symbolic significance in Scripture, often representing the principles of growth, multiplication, and the transmission of life. In the parable of the sower, Jesus uses the imagery of seeds to illustrate the reception of God's Word in different types of hearts (Matthew 13:3-9). The seed that falls on good soil and produces a crop is likened to those who hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping to convey spiritual truths. In Galatians 6:7-8 , he writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Here, seed-bearing is a metaphor for the moral and spiritual consequences of one's actions.

Covenant and Promise

The concept of seed-bearing is also linked to God's covenant promises. In Genesis 9:9 , God establishes His covenant with Noah and his descendants, ensuring the continuity of life: "Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you." The promise of seed and descendants is a recurring theme in God's covenants with the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where the "seed" often refers to both physical descendants and the coming Messiah (Genesis 22:17-18).

Eschatological Hope

In eschatological terms, seed-bearing points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The imagery of sowing and harvest is used in prophetic literature to describe the end times and the gathering of God's people. In Revelation 14:15 , an angel proclaims, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." This harvest symbolizes the culmination of God's kingdom and the final judgment.

In summary, seed-bearing in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses creation, spiritual growth, covenantal promises, and eschatological hope. It serves as a reminder of God's providence, the importance of spiritual fruitfulness, and the assurance of His eternal promises.

section 2
... It is the seed-bearing that gives them their individual character. And the same
God has manifold plans for our development too, as vessels for His Christ-life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 2.htm

Stories Told by the Lake.
... that the Kingdom of Heaven was life, and not a written law, and that it grows in
the hearts of people as a seed grows in a field, one seed bearing many seeds ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx stories told by.htm

Why God Has Blessed Men, Fishes, Flying Creatures, and not Herbs ...
... as in the sea; and to the desire of holy souls, as in the dry land; and to works
of mercy pertaining to this present life, as in the seed-bearing herbs and ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxiv why god has blessed.htm

Death is the Gate of Life
... It is in the stages of a plant's growth, its budding and blossoming and seed-bearing,
that this lesson has come to me: the lesson of death in its delivering ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the cross/death is the gate of.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... How then, they say, can Scripture describe all the plants of the earth as seed-bearing,
when the reed, couch-grass, [1537] mint, crocus, garlic, and the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

section 3
... Pressing, but in perfect rest. "They toil not, neither do they spin," these plants,
in their seed-bearing any more than in their flowering. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 3.htm

Mosaic Cosmogony.
... is, however, according to the theory, misled by the mere appearance of luxurious
vegetation, to describe fruit trees and edible seed-bearing vegetables as ...
/.../temple/essays and reviews the education of the world/mosaic cosmogony.htm

Chapter i
... matter, yield seed too, but if specific mention of the seed is made only in the
second class, apparently this refers to something like seed-bearing pods which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter i.htm

Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ...
Confessions and Enchiridion. <. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book twelve the mode of.htm

Seed-bearing (1 Occurrence)
Seed-bearing. Seed, Seed-bearing. Seedlings . Multi-Version
Concordance Seed-bearing (1 Occurrence). Genesis 1:11 And ...
/s/seed-bearing.htm - 6k

Seedlings (1 Occurrence)

/s/seedlings.htm - 6k

Seed (337 Occurrences)

/s/seed.htm - 41k

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