Biblica Analytica

ζυμόω

zumoō (G2220)

to leaven

4 verses 4 books OT 0 / NT 4
AI Word Study

The Greek word ζυμόω (zumoō) means "to leaven". In the context of food and drink, leaven is an agent that causes dough to rise. The verb implies an action that transforms or alters the original state of a substance. This process is often associated with fermentation, a natural process where yeast or other microorganisms break down sugars and produce carbon dioxide, causing the dough to expand. The word ζυμόω occurs four times in the Bible, indicating that leavening is a significant concept in its texts. This might suggest that leavening held practical importance in everyday life or that it was a metaphorical tool used to convey abstract ideas. Given its connection to fermentation, ζυμόω could imply changes that are gradual, subtle, or even unexpected, like the slow-rising of dough. In the context of food, ζυμόω signifies transformation and alteration. However, its significance extends beyond culinary uses, as it may symbolize broader processes of change or growth. The Bible's four occurrences of this word could imply that different authors used ζυμόω to convey distinct, related ideas about transformation and growth.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Matthew 13:33

He spoke another parable to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened.”

Luke 13:21

It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”

1 Corinthians 5:6

Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?

Galatians 5:9

A little yeast grows through the whole lump.