Pronunciation Guide: al’-yoo-ron

Basic Definition

Strong’s G224: ἄλευρον (aleuron) refers to wheat flour or meal, specifically fine flour that has been thoroughly ground. It represents the refined product of wheat after careful grinding and sifting. In biblical contexts, it often appears in passages relating to hospitality, provision, and parables about the Kingdom of God.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)
• Root: Derived from ἀλέω (aleō), meaning “to grind”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and parabolic teachings
• Literary Context: Often appears in domestic and agricultural settings

ἄλευρον Morphology:

• ἄλευρον (nominative singular) – flour
• ἀλεύρου (genitive singular) – of flour
• ἀλεύρῳ (dative singular) – with/in flour
• ἄλευρα (nominative/accusative plural) – flour portions

Origin & History

The word ἄλευρον has deep roots in ancient Greek culture, appearing in classical literature as early as the 5th century BCE. In Aristophanes’ “The Wasps” (422 BCE), it appears in domestic contexts related to bread-making and household management.

The term was specifically used to distinguish finely ground wheat flour from coarser meals or other types of ground cereals. This distinction was important in both culinary and religious contexts, as the finest flour was often reserved for sacred offerings and special occasions.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Fine wheat flour used for baking
• Ground meal suitable for offerings
• Refined flour product used in hospitality contexts

ἄλευρον Translation Options:

• “Fine flour” – Emphasizes the quality and refinement of the product
• “Wheat flour” – Specifies the grain type when context requires
• “Meal” – Used when describing the general substance rather than its refined state
• “Ground flour” – Emphasizes the processing aspect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄλευρον appears most notably in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21, where it plays a crucial role in the parable of the leaven. The specific measurement mentioned (“three measures of flour”) recalls the story of Abraham’s hospitality in Genesis 18:6, where Sarah uses the same amount to prepare bread for the heavenly visitors.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἄλευρον translates various Hebrew terms related to flour, particularly סֹלֶת (solet) when referring to fine flour used in offerings and important meals.

• “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour [ἄλευρον]” Matthew 13:33
• “It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour [ἄλευρον]” Luke 13:21

Cultural Insights

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, the quality of flour was a significant indicator of hospitality and wealth. The process of producing fine flour was labor-intensive, requiring multiple grinding and sifting stages. The “three measures” mentioned in the Gospel parables amounts to approximately 50 pounds of flour – enough to feed over 100 people. This large quantity would have immediately signaled to ancient listeners that this was no ordinary baking session but rather preparation for a significant feast.

The act of a woman working with such a large quantity of flour would have been a familiar sight to ancient audiences, as bread-making was a daily activity that often involved community participation. The physical process of kneading leaven into flour until it was thoroughly mixed would have taken considerable time and effort.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄλευρον in the Kingdom parables carries profound theological significance. Just as flour provides essential sustenance for physical life, it symbolizes the life-giving nature of God’s Kingdom. The huge quantity mentioned in the parables suggests the abundant provision and expansive nature of God’s Kingdom.

The transformation of flour into bread through the action of leaven parallels the transformative power of God’s Kingdom in human society. This imagery connects to the Messiah’s declaration of being the “bread of life” (John 6:35), suggesting that just as flour is transformed into life-sustaining bread, so too does His presence transform our lives.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἄλευρον in Scripture, we’re reminded that God often uses ordinary elements of daily life to teach extraordinary spiritual truths. Just as flour must be worked with and transformed to become bread, our lives in the Kingdom require patient submission to God’s transformative work.

Consider how the Kingdom’s influence, like leaven in flour, often works quietly and gradually, yet produces dramatic results. This can encourage us during times when God’s work in our lives seems hidden or slow-moving.

Related Words

• σῖτος (sitos) [SEE’-tos] – wheat, grain: General term for wheat before grinding See G4621
• ἄρτος (artos) [AR’-tos] – bread: The finished product made from flour See G740
• σεμίδαλις (semidalis) [sem-ID’-al-is] – fine flour: Specifically refers to the finest wheat flour See G4585
• κριθή (krithē) [kree-THAY’] – barley: A different grain type used for flour See G2915

Did you Know?

• The amount of flour mentioned in Matthew 13:33 (three measures) is the same quantity used by Sarah when entertaining the angels in Genesis 18, suggesting a connection between hospitality and Kingdom principles.
• In ancient times, the quality of flour was so important that professional flour sifters were employed in larger communities to ensure the finest grade for bread making.
• The Greek word ἄλευρον has survived into modern Greek virtually unchanged, still referring to flour and maintaining its connection to the ancient world of bread-making and hospitality.

Remember This

ἄλευρον reminds us that the Kingdom of God, like flour transformed by leaven, has the power to quietly but completely transform everything it touches.