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G2220 · Greek · New Testament
ζυμόω
zymoo
Verb
leaven, cause to ferment, permeate thoroughly

Definition

Zymoo (G2220) means to leaven — to cause fermentation that permeates and transforms the whole. Jesus used leaven (zyme) as both a warning metaphor (the leaven of the Pharisees — Matt 16:6, Mark 8:15) and a kingdom metaphor (the woman hiding leaven in flour until all was leavened — Matt 13:33, Luke 13:21). Paul uses it negatively (1 Cor 5:6-7 — 'a little leaven leavens the whole lump') but the principle of pervasive transformation applies in both directions.

Usage & Theological Significance

The theology of zymoo is about pervasive, invisible transformation. In Paul's context (1 Cor 5:6-7, Gal 5:9), leaven represents sin that, if tolerated, spreads silently through the whole community. In Jesus's kingdom parable (Matt 13:33), the same spreading power describes how the kingdom of God works: invisibly, from small beginnings, transforming everything it touches. The same process that corrupts can sanctify — depending on what is doing the leavening. Christ's presence in the world, in a community, in a life, is kingdom leaven: transforming from within, comprehensive in its reach, unstoppable in its spread.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 13:33 The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened [zymoo].
Luke 13:21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened [zymoo].
1 Corinthians 5:6-7 Do you not know that a little leaven leavens [zymoo] the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven.
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens [zymoo] the whole lump.
Matthew 16:6 Jesus said to them, 'Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'

Related Words

External Resources

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