from a prolonged form of (to mix a liquid with a solid; perhaps akin to φύω through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough:--lump.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phýrama**, represented by `{{G5445}}`, means a mass of dough or a **lump**. It is derived from a word meaning to knead or mix a liquid with a solid. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is used metaphorically to explain theological concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5445}}` serves as a powerful illustration in two primary contexts. Firstly, it represents a body or community that can be influenced by a small part, as seen in the proverb, "A little{G3398} leaven{G2219} leaveneth{G2220} the whole{G3650} **lump**" ([[Galatians 5:9]], [[1 Corinthians 5:6]]). Secondly, it is used in the analogy of a potter and clay, where the potter has power over the **lump** to make from it different kinds of vessels [[Romans 9:21]]. It is also used to show how the nature of a part determines the nature of the whole, as when the **firstfruit** `{{G536}}` is holy, the **lump** is also holy [[Romans 11:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of **phýrama**:
* `{{G2219}}` **zýmē** (leaven): Defined as "ferment (as if boiling up):--leaven," this word is often paired with **lump** to describe a corrupting or pervasive influence that must be purged out so that believers can become a **new** `{{G3501}}` **lump** [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
* `{{G2763}}` **kerameús** (potter): Meaning "a potter:--potter," this term is central to the illustration in which God, as the potter, has sovereign power over the **lump** of clay to shape it for His purposes [[Romans 9:21]].
* `{{G536}}` **aparchḗ** (firstfruit): This word for "a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) first-fruit (figuratively):--first-fruits" establishes a principle of representation. The holiness of the **firstfruit** ensures the holiness of the entire **lump** [[Romans 11:16]].
* `{{G4081}}` **pēlós** (clay): This word for "clay:--clay" describes the substance of the **lump** that the potter works with, signifying the material from which humanity is formed and fashioned [[Romans 9:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5445}}` is demonstrated in several key doctrines:
* **Sovereign Power:** The image of the potter and the **lump** of clay is used to teach about God's authority to make from the same mass a **vessel** `{{G4632}}` for **honour** `{{G5092}}` and another for **dishonour** `{{G819}}` [[Romans 9:21]].
* **Corporate Sanctification:** The **lump** represents the community of believers. Paul urges the Corinthians to **purge out** `{{G1571}}` the **old** `{{G3820}}` **leaven** `{{G2219}}` to become a **new** `{{G3501}}` **lump**, because **Christ** `{{G5547}}` our **passover** `{{G3957}}` has been **sacrificed** `{{G2380}}` [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
* **Pervasive Influence:** The concept that a **little** `{{G3398}}` **leaven** `{{G2219}}` affects the whole **lump** is used as a warning about the danger of allowing sin or false teaching to spread within the community [[Galatians 5:9]].
* **Principle of Representation:** The state of the whole **lump** is determined by its beginning. If the **root** `{{G4491}}` and **firstfruit** `{{G536}}` are **holy** `{{G40}}`, the **branches** `{{G2798}}` and the **lump** are also considered **holy** [[Romans 11:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5445}}` moves beyond its literal meaning of a "mass of dough" to become a versatile metaphor in Scripture. It illustrates the profound truths of God's sovereignty over creation, the principle of pervasive influence for both good and evil, and the nature of corporate holiness. Through the simple image of a **lump**, the Bible explains complex relationships between God and humanity, and between the individual and the community.
TRV