Brief Overview of ἄλευρον (G224)

The Greek word ἄλευρον (aleuron) primarily means “flour.” It refers to the finely ground powder made from grain, commonly used as a staple in ancient diets for baking bread and other food items. In the New Testament and classical Greek literature, ἄλευρον is associated with the preparation of food and is often mentioned in the context of daily sustenance.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G224 ἄλευρον (aleuron): Strong’s Concordance defines ἄλευρον as “flour,” noting its use in the context of food preparation. It appears in the New Testament in Matthew 13:33, where Jesus uses it in a parable to describe the kingdom of heaven: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until it was all leavened.” This highlights the word’s practical use and symbolic meaning.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon elaborates on ἄλευρον as “flour” and provides additional context for its use in classical Greek. It confirms that the term is used to describe the finely ground powder from wheat or other grains. The lexicon also notes its metaphorical usage in biblical texts, particularly in illustrating the pervasive nature of influence or change, as in the parable of the leaven.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon describes ἄλευρον as “flour,” emphasizing its role in ancient diets. It provides historical and literary examples of the term’s use, illustrating its commonality in both daily life and literature. The lexicon supports the understanding of ἄλευρον as an essential component in baking and cooking, with a noted presence in various texts.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• The BDB Lexicon includes ἄλευρον in its entries, providing context for its use in ancient texts and its meaning as “flour.” It corroborates the definitions provided by Strong’s and Thayer’s, affirming the term’s significance in food preparation and its metaphorical usage in biblical narratives.

In summary, ἄλευρον (aleuron) means “flour” and is used in the New Testament to convey practical and symbolic meanings. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, the LSJ Lexicon, and the BDB Lexicon all confirm its role as a staple food ingredient and its metaphorical significance in illustrating broader concepts.