Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of leaven is חָמֵץ (chametz), Strong's Hebrew 2556, which refers to leavened bread or the process of leavening. This term is used in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Passover, where unleavened bread (מַצָּה, matzah) is commanded to be eaten to symbolize purity and separation from sin (Exodus 12:15).

Usage: The verb ζυμόω is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the process of influence or permeation, often with a negative connotation, such as the spreading of false teachings or hypocrisy.

Context: • The term ζυμόω appears in the New Testament in contexts that illustrate the pervasive and often corrupting influence of certain teachings or behaviors. In the cultural context of the Bible, leaven was commonly understood as a symbol of impurity or sin due to its ability to spread and transform the dough in which it was placed.
• In Matthew 13:33, Jesus uses the metaphor of leaven in a parable to describe the Kingdom of Heaven: "He told them still another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.'" Here, the leaven represents the transformative power of the Kingdom of Heaven, which, though starting small, permeates and influences the whole.
• Conversely, in Matthew 16:6, Jesus warns His disciples: "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." In this context, leaven symbolizes the corrupting influence of the Pharisees' and Sadducees' teachings, which could spread and negatively impact the faith and understanding of the disciples.
• The Apostle Paul also uses the metaphor of leaven in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 to address moral corruption within the church: "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old leaven, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."
• The use of ζυμόω in these passages underscores the concept of influence, whether positive or negative, and the importance of vigilance in maintaining purity and truth within the community of believers.