Topical Encyclopedia The term "Good Seed" is a significant biblical metaphor that appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and the propagation of God's kingdom. It is often contrasted with "bad seed" or "weeds," representing evil or corruption.Parable of the Sower One of the most prominent references to "good seed" is found in the Parable of the Sower, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In Matthew 13:3-9, Jesus describes a sower who scatters seed on different types of soil. The "good seed" that falls on fertile ground represents those who hear the word of God, understand it, and produce a fruitful harvest. Jesus explains this parable in Matthew 13:23 : "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." Parable of the Weeds Another significant mention is in the Parable of the Weeds, also found in Matthew 13. Here, Jesus tells of a man who sows good seed in his field, but an enemy comes and sows weeds among the wheat. The good seed represents the "sons of the kingdom," while the weeds symbolize the "sons of the evil one" (Matthew 13:38). This parable highlights the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the final judgment, when God will separate the righteous from the wicked. Symbol of the Word of God The "good seed" is also emblematic of the Word of God itself. In 1 Peter 1:23 , believers are described as being "born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." This passage underscores the transformative power of God's Word, which, like good seed, brings forth new life and spiritual growth in those who receive it. The Righteous Lineage In the Old Testament, the concept of "good seed" can be seen in the context of lineage and heritage. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are often viewed as the "good seed" through whom God's promises and blessings are fulfilled. This is evident in passages such as Genesis 22:18 , where God tells Abraham, "And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Moral and Ethical Implications The metaphor of "good seed" extends to moral and ethical behavior. In Galatians 6:7-8 , Paul 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, sowing good seed is equated with living according to the Spirit, resulting in eternal rewards. Conclusion The imagery of "good seed" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of receiving and nurturing the Word of God, living righteously, and contributing to the growth of God's kingdom. It calls believers to examine the soil of their hearts and to strive for a life that yields a bountiful spiritual harvest. Subtopics Good and Evil: Choice Between, by Adam and Eve Good and Evil: Conflict Between Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between Good for Evil: General Scriptures Concerning Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Good for Evil: Returning: David, to his Enemies Good for Evil: Returning: David, to Saul Good for Evil: Returning: Elisha, to the Syrians Good for Evil: Returning: Jesus, to his Crucifiers Good for Evil: Returning: Stephen, to his Murderers Good News: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |