σπέρμα (Sperma)

MEANINGSeed, offspring, descendants. Paul's key word in Galatians 3:16 for the interpretation of be-zar'akha (in your seed, Genesis 22:18). The singular sperma (not the plural spermata) is Paul's grammatical argument for Christ as the one Seed.

GRAMMARNeuter noun. Paul notes in Galatians 3:16 that the promise says sperma (singular), not spermata (plural). The collective singular of zera (Hebrew seed) allows simultaneous reference to Christ (the one Seed) and those in Christ (the many who become Abraham's sperma by faith, Galatians 3:29).

SIGNIFICANCESperma in Galatians 3:16-29 is Paul's NT use of the be-zar'akha grammar: the Seed is Christ; those who are in Christ are Abraham's sperma; election is corporate --- in the Seed. This is Thread 2's NT apex.

KEY VERSE / SCRIPTURESGalatians 3:16, 19, 29; Romans 4:13, 16, 18; 9:7-8.

CROSS-REFERENCESGalatians 3:16 · Genesis 22:18 (be-zar'akha) · ἐν αὐτῷ en autō