Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the concept of seedlings is often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and principles. While the term "seedlings" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible, the imagery of seeds and their growth into plants is prevalent throughout Scripture, symbolizing the beginnings of faith, the growth of the Kingdom of God, and the development of spiritual maturity.
Parables of GrowthOne of the most significant uses of seed imagery is found in the parables of Jesus. In the Parable of the Sower (
Matthew 13:3-9,
Mark 4:3-9,
Luke 8:5-8), Jesus describes a sower scattering seeds on different types of soil, representing the varied responses to the Word of God. The seeds that fall on good soil and grow into healthy plants symbolize those who hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit. This parable highlights the importance of a receptive heart and the conditions necessary for spiritual growth.
In another parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is "the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree" (
Matthew 13:31-32). This illustrates how the Kingdom starts small but grows into something significant and expansive, emphasizing the power and potential of even the smallest beginnings.
Spiritual Growth and MaturityThe Apostle Paul also uses seed imagery to describe spiritual growth and maturity. In
1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul writes, "I planted the seed, 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" . Here, Paul emphasizes that while human effort is involved in planting and nurturing, it is ultimately God who causes spiritual growth.
Furthermore, in
Galatians 6:7-8, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not 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" . This passage underscores the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging believers to invest in spiritual pursuits that lead to eternal rewards.
New Life in ChristThe imagery of seedlings also relates to the concept of new life in Christ. In
2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" . Just as a seedling represents new life and potential, so does the believer's new identity in Christ, marked by transformation and growth.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not specifically mention "seedlings," the broader theme of seeds and growth is a powerful metaphor for spiritual truths. From the parables of Jesus to the teachings of Paul, the imagery of seeds and their development into mature plants serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and transformation in the life of a believer.
Library
Present Heresies (Seedlings of the Tares Noted by the Sacred...
... Chapter XXXIII."Present Heresies (Seedlings of the Tares Noted by the Sacred Writers)
Already Condemned in Scripture This Descent of Later Heresy from the...
A Parable from Liebig
... The bells went on ringing, a spirit came singing, And smiled as he crumbled the
tree; 'Yon wood does but perish newseedlings to cherish, And the world is too...
The Prey of the Terrible
... Sometimes the little patch of ground which looked so hopeful is trampled, and
the youngseedlings killed; sometimes they seem to be rooted up....
The Prescription Against Heretics
... Chapter XXXIII.--Present Heresies (Seedlings of the Tares Noted by the Sacred Writers)
Already Condemned in Scripture This Descent of Later Heresy from the...
First Communion and Confirmation
... Sometimes, in order to please Our Lord, I used to make my bed, or, if she were
out in the evening, to bring in her plants andseedlings....
First Communion and Confirmation
... Sometimes, in order to please Our Lord, I used to make my bed, or, if she were
out in the evening, to bring in her plants andseedlings....
Thesaurus
Seedlings (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Seedlings (1 Occurrence). Isaiah
... strength. Therefore
you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign
seedlings. (WEB).
...Seeds (24 Occurrences)
Rogue (2 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A worthless plant occurring amongseedlings of some choice variety. 6.
(vi) To wander; to play the vagabond; to play knavish tricks....
Seed-bearing (1 Occurrence)
Seed-bearing. Seed, Seed-bearing.Seedlings . Multi-Version Concordance...
(See NIV). Seed, Seed-bearing.Seedlings . Reference Bible.
Forgotten (69 Occurrences)
... your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign
seedlings. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah...
Foreign (65 Occurrences)
... the rock of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set
out foreignseedlings. (WEB DBY WBS). Isaiah 28:11 For with...
Plants (70 Occurrences)
... your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign
seedlings. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah...
Plant (92 Occurrences)
... your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign
seedlings. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah...
Pleasant (119 Occurrences)
... of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign
seedlings. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Isaiah 27...
Remembered (120 Occurrences)
... rock of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out
foreignseedlings. (WEB YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 23:16 Take...
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