36. The Word in its outermost or earthly meaning, which is its literal meaning, is also meant by the wall of the holy Jerusalem, which was made of jasper, by the foundations of the wall, which were precious stones, as well as by the gates, which were pearls (Revelation 21:18-21). This is because Jerusalem means the church in regard to its teachings. There will be more on this, though, under the next heading [§]. We may now conclude from what has been presented that the literal meaning of the Word, which is earthly, is the foundation, container, and support of its inner meanings, which are a spiritual meaning and a heavenly meaning.

2848. 'Your seed' means spiritual people who, having that good within them that springs from faith, are saved by the Lord's Divine Human. This is clear from the meaning of 'seed' as faith that is the expression of charity, dealt with in 1025, 1447, 1610, 1941, or what amounts to the same, those members of the human race who possess faith that is the expression of charity, that is, who are spiritual people. They are also called by the Lord 'the seed' and 'the sons of the kingdom', in Matthew,

He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, but the seed are the sons of the kingdom. Matthew 13:37-38.