SPECIAL TOPIC: LEAVEN

SPECIAL TOPIC: LEAVEN (BDB 329)

The term "leaven" (zumē) is used in two senses in both the OT and the NT:

1. a sense of corruption and, therefore, a symbol of evil

a. Exod. 12:15; 13:3,7; 23:18; 34:25; Lev. 2:11; 6:17; Deut. 16:3

b. Matt. 16:6,11; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1; Gal. 5:9; 1 Cor. 5:6-8

2. a sense of permeation and, therefore, influence, not a symbol of evil

a. Lev. 7:13; 23:17; Amos 4:5

b. Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:20-21

Only context can determine the meaning of this word (which is true of all words!).