ζυμόω (zumoō)
zumoō
to leaven
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb zumoō means to leaven dough by mixing in a small amount of starter to cause fermentation. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in the teachings of Jesus and Paul’s letters (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21; 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). The word captures a process where a hidden agent gradually transforms the whole batch.
Its usage carries significant theological weight. In the parables of the Kingdom (Matthew and Luke), leaven illustrates how the gospel expands quietly but pervasively through the world. Conversely, Paul uses it as a metaphor for sin, warning that even a small amount of moral corruption can spread through an entire community if left unchecked (1 Corinthians 5:6). This dual imagery highlights both the pervasive power of God’s kingdom and the dangerous influence of evil.
The word derives from zumē, meaning "leaven" or "yeast." Translators consistently render it as "leaven," preserving the agricultural metaphor familiar to ancient audiences. The contrast between its positive use in parables and negative use in ethical instructions shows how the same physical process can symbolize either spiritual growth or moral decay, depending on the context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Leaven is a quiet force. In Jesus’ parables, it shows how the Kingdom of God works within us and the world. A small amount transforms the whole batch, suggesting that faith grows steadily rather than with sudden noise. This process reminds us that spiritual change often happens in hidden ways, shaping our character over time.
Paul warns us about the same power when it comes to sin. He uses leaven to show how unchecked wrong attitudes can spread through a community. Just as yeast affects all the dough, moral corruption impacts everyone around us. This dual meaning invites reflection on what we allow to grow in our hearts and relationships.
Understanding this word helps us see the balance in Christian life. We trust God’s slow, transformative work while staying alert to small sins that might take root. It encourages patience in growth and vigilance in holiness, knowing that even small beginnings matter greatly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was leavened2×
- leavens?1×
- leavens.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐζυμώθη2×
- ζυμοῖ;1×
- ζυμοῖ.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:33
He spoke another parable to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened.”
This verse illustrates the Kingdom of Heaven’s pervasive growth through a woman mixing yeast into flour.
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Luke 13:21
It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”
Here Jesus repeats the parable, emphasizing how leaven works until the entire batch is transformed.
-
I Corinthians 5:6
Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?
Paul uses this image to warn that a small amount of sin can corrupt an entire community if ignored.
-
Galatians 5:9
A little yeast grows through the whole lump.
This short statement reinforces the idea that even minor false teaching or sin spreads widely through the group.