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ζυμόω

zymóō

G2220 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ζυμ- to leaven, to ferment, to cause transformation (by leaven)

Definition

To cause to ferment or to leaven; to add leaven (ζύμη) to a substance so as to induce fermentation; more generally, to mix with something causing change or transformation (often in reference to dough). In some figurative contexts, to influence or thoroughly permeate.

Semantic Range

to add leaven, to cause to ferment, to mix with leaven, to permeate or transform (figuratively)

Root / Etymology

From ζύμη (leaven, ferment), itself ultimately of uncertain origin; the verb is the causative form derived from this noun, indicating the act of producing fermentation by adding leaven.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ζυμόω chiefly refers to the literal process of mixing leaven with flour to make dough rise, a common culinary procedure. It is rare in extant literature but did occur in technical and medical writers as well as in culinary contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb's usage is very limited and always in reference to the leavening process, either literal or as a metaphor for influence that spreads and transforms (e.g., moral, social, or doctrinal influence). Standard English translations usually render it as "leaven" or "to cause to ferment," but these may obscure the transformative aspect implied in Greek. Other Greek verbs for mixing or blending (e.g., μίγνυμι) do not necessarily imply fermentation or chemical change, distinguishing ζυμόω as specialized for the process involving leaven specifically.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ζύμη; to cause to ferment:--leaven.

Root Family

ζυμόω (zymoō) — to leaven, to ferment, to cause transformation by leaven

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2220-01 ἐζυμώθη ezumothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG leavened was leavened 2
G2220-02 ζυμοῖ zumoi V PRS ACT IND 3P SG leavens leavens 2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2220-01 Matthew 13:33 ἐζυμώθη ezumothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was leavened
G2220-01 Luke 13:21 ἐζυμώθη ezumothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG leavened was leavened
G2220-02 1 Corinthians 5:6 ζυμοῖ zumoi V PRS ACT IND 3P SG leavens leavens
G2220-02 Galatians 5:9 ζυμοῖ zumoi V PRS ACT IND 3P SG leavens leavens
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