from Α (as a negative particle) and ζύμη; unleavened, i.e. (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by implication) the Passover week:--unleavened (bread).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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