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Introduction
Understanding Greek words like ζυμόω (zymoō) is crucial for deeper Biblical studies, as these words often carry rich metaphorical meanings. ζυμόω, which means “to leaven” or “to ferment,” is particularly significant in New Testament interpretation because of its use to illustrate spiritual concepts. The word is rooted in everyday life and culture of ancient Greek society, where leavening was a common practice, yet its metaphorical use holds powerful spiritual implications.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζυμόω (zymoō), pronounced [DZOO-mo-oh].
- Etymology: Derived from the root ζύμη (zyme), meaning “leaven” or “yeast,” which in turn comes from Proto-Indo-European roots that mean “to boil” or “to ferment.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; regular verb of the first conjugation.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To leaven: To mix with yeast or leaven to produce fermentation.
- To ferment: To cause a chemical breakdown or transformation through fermentation.
Similar Words: ζύμη (zyme), pronounced [DZOO-may], is a noun meaning “leaven” or “yeast.” While ζύμη refers to the substance itself, ζυμόω describes the action of mixing or fermenting dough with leaven, giving it a more dynamic sense.
Further Insights: ζυμόω is a verb of the first conjugation, and it follows a regular conjugation pattern in ancient Greek. Here is the present active indicative conjugation of ζυμόω:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | ζυμόω | ζυμοῦμεν |
| 2nd Person | ζυμοῖς | ζυμοῦτε |
| 3rd Person | ζυμοῖ | ζυμοῦσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ζυμόω as “to cause fermentation,” often used metaphorically in the New Testament to signify the process of influence or corruption, depending on the context.
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Thayers: Emphasizes that ζυμόω means “to leaven” or “to ferment.” It focuses on the transformative nature of leavening, whether for literal bread-making or as a metaphor for the spread of beliefs or attitudes.
Vines: Notes that ζυμόω generally has a negative connotation in New Testament usage, symbolizing the introduction and spread of corruptive influences or false teachings.
LSJ: Lists ζυμόω as “to leaven” or “to ferment,” including examples from classical texts where the verb is used both literally and figuratively.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ζυμόω as “to leaven” and explains its metaphorical application in New Testament writings, where it often illustrates the pervasive effects of a small element on a larger body.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 13:33: “He spoke another parable to them, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened [ζυμώθη].'”
- Luke 13:21: “It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until it was all leavened [ζυμώθη].'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristophanes | Peace | “Just as the dough was leavened [ζυμοῦται] in the kitchen, the whole city was stirred with excitement.” |
| Plato | Laws | “As the dough is leavened [ζυμοῦται] by a small piece, so does the soul of youth take on the form it is fed.” |
| Homer | Iliad (metaphorical) | “The warriors’ anger was stirred like dough being leavened [ζυμοῦται] in a heated pot.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 12:34 | “So the people took their dough before it was leavened [ζυμωθῇ], with their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders.” |
| Septuagint | Hosea 7:4 | “They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by the baker who ceases to stir the fire after kneading the dough with leaven [ζυμώσειν].” |
| Septuagint | Amos 4:5 | “And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven [ζυμώσεις].” |
Summary of ζυμόω (G2220: zymoō)
The Greek verb ζυμόω (zymoō), meaning “to leaven” or “to ferment,” serves as both a literal and metaphorical concept in the Bible and classical Greek literature. It captures the idea of a transformative process, whether applied to bread or spiritual teachings. In the New Testament, ζυμόω frequently symbolizes the spread of influence—positive when describing the Kingdom of Heaven, but often negative when referring to corrupt doctrines or behaviors. The word provides a vivid picture of how small elements can permeate and transform the whole, making it a powerful metaphor in both religious and philosophical discussions.
Did You Know?
- Leavening, the process of adding leaven to dough, was seen as both a practical necessity and a spiritual metaphor in ancient cultures.
- In the New Testament, ζυμόω is used only in the passive voice, emphasizing the effect of leavening rather than the act itself.
- The metaphorical use of ζυμόω extends beyond religious texts to philosophical writings, where it illustrates the permeating influence of ideas or character traits in a society.
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