Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for delving deeper into the meanings and messages of the New Testament. The Greek word ζιζάνιον (zizanion), often translated as “tares” or “weeds,” is particularly significant because it appears in the parable of the wheat and the tares in the Gospel of Matthew. This word sheds light on the themes of good versus evil, the judgment of God, and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, making it essential for interpreting Jesus’ teachings and understanding the spiritual and cultural context of the early Christian era.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ζιζάνιον (zizanion), pronounced [zi-ZA-nee-on].
• Etymology: Likely of Semitic origin, possibly related to the Hebrew word זונין (zūnîn), referring to a kind of darnel or weed.
• Part of Speech: Noun, neuter; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A weed or tare, specifically referring to darnel, a type of weed that closely resembles wheat but is toxic.
• Figuratively, a person or thing that corrupts or contaminates what is good.

Similar Words: Ζιζάνιον (zizanion) is similar to the Greek word ὄζος (ozos), meaning “a shoot” or “a branch.” However, while ὄζος generally refers to something neutral or positive like a branch or offshoot, ζιζάνιον has a negative connotation as it refers to weeds that choke or ruin crops.

Further Insights: Ζιζάνιον is a neuter noun of the second declension. Below is a declension table showing its forms:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Ζιζάνιον refers to darnel, a type of weed that looks like wheat but is poisonous and thus harmful to crops. The word is metaphorically used in the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30) to depict the presence of evil among good in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thayers: Defines ζιζάνιον as a kind of darnel, a weed similar in appearance to wheat during the early stages of growth. Thayer notes its use in the parable where it represents the children of the evil one, as opposed to the “wheat,” or the children of the Kingdom.

Vines: Ζιζάνιον describes a weed known as “darnel” which looks very much like wheat in its early stages but has an inferior quality. It is used figuratively in Scripture to represent corrupt influences or people in contrast to the righteous.

LSJ: Ζιζάνιον is defined in classical Greek as a type of darnel or weed, possibly stemming from a Semitic language origin. It is typically used in contexts involving agriculture and cultivation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Ζιζάνιον is understood to mean “darnel” or “weeds,” specifically weeds that are mixed among wheat. It highlights the agricultural and metaphorical use in Scripture, particularly in the parables of Jesus.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 13:25: “But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares (ζιζάνια) among the wheat, and went away.”
• Matthew 13:26: “But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares (ζιζάνια) became evident also.”
• Matthew 13:30: “Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather up the tares (ζιζάνια) and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Classical Usage

Summary of ζιζάνιον (G2215: zizanion)

The Greek word ζιζάνιον (zizanion), meaning “tares” or “weeds,” is crucial for understanding the biblical teachings on judgment, the coexistence of good and evil, and the Kingdom of Heaven as described in the parables of Jesus. This word illustrates how corruption can exist within what appears good and emphasizes the need for discernment and ultimate judgment by God. The usage of ζιζάνιον in both classical and biblical texts underscores its importance in agricultural metaphors and its broader symbolic meaning for understanding good versus evil, both in the ancient world and in contemporary theological discourse.

Did You Know?

• The word ζιζάνιον (zizanion) specifically refers to a type of weed called “darnel,” which closely resembles wheat but is toxic. Consuming it can cause dizziness and nausea.
• In the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13), Jesus uses ζιζάνιον to symbolize those who appear righteous but are actually wicked, highlighting the importance of divine discernment and judgment.
• Ancient agricultural practices often dealt with darnel as a common pest in wheat fields, making this word and its metaphor particularly relatable to the original audience of the parable.