The Greek word ázymos, represented by G106, means unleavened or uncorrupted. It is formed from "Α" as a negative particle and "ζύμη" (leaven). It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses. While it literally refers to unleavened bread, it is used specially by implication for the Passover week and figuratively to describe a state of being uncorrupted.
In the Gospels and Acts, G106 is consistently used to denote the festival of unleavened bread, which is explicitly identified with the Passover Luke 22:1. The timing of crucial events in Jesus's final days is marked by this feast, such as the disciples preparing for the Passover meal on "the first day of the feast of unleavened bread" Matthew 26:17. The narrative also notes that the plot to arrest Jesus was timed around "the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread" Mark 14:1, and Peter's arrest occurred during "the days of unleavened bread" Acts 12:3. This highlights its importance as a key timeframe in the biblical narrative.
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of G106:
- G2219 zýmē (leaven): As the root word that G106 negates, zýmē means ferment. It is used figuratively to represent corrupting influences like malice and wickedness 1 Corinthians 5:8.
- G3957 páscha (Passover): This term is frequently used alongside G106 and refers to the meal, the day, and the festival. Luke 22:7 states that on the day of unleavened bread, the Passover must be killed.
- G1571 ekkathaírō (purge out): This verb describes the action required to become unleavened. Believers are commanded to purge out the old leaven to become a new lump 1 Corinthians 5:7.
- G1505 eilikríneia (sincerity): This word defines the positive quality of what is unleavened, representing a state of purity. Believers are to keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth 1 Corinthians 5:8.
The theological significance of G106 is centered on the transition from a literal observance to a spiritual reality in Christ.
- Christ as the Passover: The foundation of its figurative meaning is the declaration that "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" 1 Corinthians 5:7. This redefines the festival's purpose around the work of Jesus.
- Symbol of Sanctification: Believers are described as being "unleavened" and are called to become a "new lump" by purging out the old leaven 1 Corinthians 5:7. This illustrates the process of sanctification and separation from sin.
- A Life of Purity: The command to "keep the feast" is transformed into an ongoing lifestyle. This is not done with the old leaven of malice G2549 and wickedness G4189, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity G1505 and truth G225 1 Corinthians 5:8.
In summary, G106 carries both a literal and a profound figurative meaning. It marks the historical "days of unleavened bread" associated with the Passover, but more importantly, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the purity that believers possess in Christ. The word illustrates the call to move beyond ritual and to live a life that has been purged of corruption, sustained instead by sincerity and truth.
TRV