### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2220}}` (zymóō) is derived directly from the noun `{{G2219}}` (zymē), meaning "leaven" or "yeast." Its core literal meaning is "to cause to ferment" or "to leaven." This action describes the process by which a small amount of leaven, when introduced into a larger mass of dough, permeates and transforms the entire substance, causing it to rise and change in texture. Semantically, `{{G2220}}` thus denotes a pervasive, transformative influence that spreads throughout a whole, whether physically or metaphorically. The essence is one of hidden, internal action leading to a comprehensive alteration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2220}}` appears a handful of times in the New Testament, notably with a striking duality in its metaphorical application:
* **Positive Connotation: The Kingdom of Heaven**
* In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus employs `{{G2220}}` in the parable of the leaven: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened" [[Matthew 13:33]]. A parallel account is found in [[Luke 13:21]]. Here, the leaven symbolizes the pervasive, transformative, and ultimately triumphant growth of the Kingdom of God. A small, seemingly insignificant beginning spreads silently and effectively until it encompasses and changes the whole. This illustrates the internal, spiritual growth and expansion of God's reign within humanity and the world.
* **Negative Connotation: Sin, Malice, and False Teaching**
* The Apostle Paul consistently uses `{{G2220}}` to warn against corrupting influences. In [[1 Corinthians 5:6]], he admonishes the Corinthian church concerning a case of immorality: "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?" He continues, urging them to "Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened" [[1 Corinthians 5:7]]. Here, "leaven" represents sin, malice, and wickedness, which, if left unchecked, will corrupt the entire community.
* Similarly, in [[Galatians 5:9]], Paul warns against the pervasive influence of false teaching, specifically concerning the necessity of circumcision for salvation: "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." This indicates that even a small deviation from the truth of the gospel can subtly and completely corrupt the purity of faith and doctrine within a community.
The contextual analysis reveals that the core meaning of "pervasive influence" remains constant, but the nature of that influence—whether redemptive and expansive or corrupting and destructive—is determined by the object of the leavening.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is the noun `{{G2219}}` (zymē), "leaven" or "yeast," from which `{{G2220}}` is derived. This noun often carries similar symbolic weight, particularly in its negative connotations as "the leaven of the Pharisees" (hypocrisy, [[Luke 12:1]]) or "the leaven of Herod" (worldly ambition, [[Mark 8:15]]).
The concept of "unleavened" (ἄζυμος, `{{G106}}`) stands in stark contrast. Unleavened bread, particularly in the context of the Passover, symbolizes purity, haste, and separation from sin. Paul's exhortation to "cleanse out the old leaven" and become "a new lump, as you really are unleavened" in [[1 Corinthians 5:7-8]] directly invokes the imagery of the Passover, urging believers to live lives of sincerity and truth, free from the defiling influence of sin.
Broader concepts related to `{{G2220}}` include:
* **Transformation:** The inherent nature of leavening is change.
* **Pervasiveness:** The idea that an influence, however small, will spread throughout.
* **Growth/Decay:** Depending on the context, the leavening can lead to positive expansion or negative corruption.
* **Purity/Impurity:** The contrast between unleavened purity and leavened corruption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2220}}` lies in its powerful dual symbolism, reflecting the pervasive nature of both good and evil in the spiritual realm.
On one hand, `{{G2220}}` illustrates the unstoppable, quiet, yet comprehensive spread of the Kingdom of God. This speaks to the organic, internal growth of God's reign within hearts and societies, not through overt force but through the transformative power of divine presence. It offers hope and assurance that the seemingly small beginnings of God's work will ultimately permeate and renew all things.
On the other hand, `{{G2220}}` serves as a potent warning against the insidious and corrupting influence of sin, malice, and false doctrine. Just as a small amount of leaven can spoil an entire batch of dough, so too can a single sin, a prevailing attitude of wickedness, or a subtle deviation from truth contaminate an entire community or individual life. This highlights the critical need for vigilance, spiritual discernment, and decisive action against anything that compromises purity and truth within the body of Christ. The imagery emphasizes that sin is not static but active and expansive, requiring constant purging and renewal.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2220}}` (zymóō) literally means "to cause to ferment" or "to leaven." Biblically, it functions as a powerful metaphor for a pervasive, transformative influence that spreads throughout a whole. Its theological significance is remarkably dual: it symbolizes the quiet, expansive growth of the Kingdom of God, indicating its hidden power to permeate and transform the world. Conversely, it serves as a stark warning against the insidious, corrupting spread of sin, malice, and false doctrine, underscoring the necessity for spiritual purity and vigilance within the community of faith. In both applications, `{{G2220}}` powerfully conveys the principle that a small element, whether good or evil, possesses the capacity to fundamentally alter the entire composition of that which it influences.
TRV