Leaven: the yeast of these

Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [kjv]

τοτε συνηκαν οτι ουκ ειπεν προσεχειν απο της ζυμης των αρτων αλλα απο της διδαχης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων [gnt]

Leaven is used in bread to make it rise. In the Gospels, Jesus uses the term as a code word to refer to the religious leaders of the time being "puffed up" or to refer to a distortion of religious principles as in false doctrine or teaching.

The ancient Greek word "ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough".
The modern Greek word "ζύμη" (ZEE-mee) ≈ "yeast, dough".

Unleavened bread was used in the Exodus from Egypt as there was not time to let the bread rise.

The 1972 Three Musketeers candy bar commercial from 1972 featured the slogan "Fluffy, not stuffy".

The city of Leavenworth, KS, location of the prison, appears to have been named, in part, due to the grain passing through that area.

The word "leaven" is not related to the number 110 as in "eleventy" as in "eighty", "ninety", "hundred", "eleventy".

It is from the Old English word "hundendlefti" ≈ "one hundred and ten" from the Old English prefix "hund" ≈ "hundred" and the Old English word "endleofan" ≈ "eleven" and ending "tig" where the hard "g" softened to a "y".

J. R. Tolkien in the Lord of the Rings trilogy popularized the usage of "eleventy" as 110.

This play on words was used in the Beverly Hillbillies TV comedy series (by Grannie) in the 1960's.

Note: The name "Eleventy" has been used in software as a name for a simple static web site generator.

More: The number twelve

More: J. R. Tolkien

Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. [kjv]

αλλην παραβολην ελαλησεν αυτοις ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων ζυμη ην λαβουσα γυνη ενεκρυψεν εις αλευρου σατα τρια εως ου εζυμωθη ολον [gnt]

The third kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is very short - just one verse. There appears to be a play-on-words used by Jesus from the Greek language point of view.

The ancient Greek word "ἄλευρον " ≈ "ground grain" which was often wheat. Jesus uses this idea to represent true doctrine or teaching.

The ancient Greek word "ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough" and is used by Jesus to represent false doctrine or teaching.

More: Matthew 13: Fourth kingdom parable: measures three

The Greek words for yeast or dough come from the ancient Greek word "ζέω" ≈ "boil, seethe, bubble", related to "fervent" (discussed below), which comes from the PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "*YES" ≈ ""

The Sanskrit word "येषति" (yesati) ≈ "boil, bubble up".
The English word "yeast" comes from the Middle English word "yest" ≈ "yeast" and comes from the Old English word "gist" ≈ "yeast" (where the hard "g" often went to a softer "y".)

Shakespeare, in Macbeth, uses the phrase "Double double toil and trouble, fire burn and caldron bubble" as part of the song of the witches.

The German word "Gischt" ≈ "sea foam".
The German word "Gest" ≈ "yeast".
The Gothic word "beistis" ≈ "leaven" (see Mark 8:15, 1 Corinthians 5:6, below) which is related to English "bite".

Wycliffe uses the term "sour douy" or "sour dough" which was another term, from the French, for "leaven".

The Latin word "fermentum" ≈ "leaven" from which we get the English word "ferment".
The German word "Sauerteig" ≈ "sour dough", as used in the Luther German above, where the Germanic hard "g" often goes to a softer "y" (or disappears).

More: Germanic g to English y

*G2200 *3 ζεστός (dzes-tos') : from G2204 ζέω; boiled, i.e. (by implication) calid (figuratively, fervent):--hot.

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ζεστος *3

Revelation 3:15 ... cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Revelation 3:16 ... neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee ...

*G2204 *2 ζέω (dzeh'-o) : a primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest):--be fervent.

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ζεων

Acts 18:25 ... in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and ...

ζεοντες

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

*G2219 *13 ζύμη (dzoo'-may) : probably from G2204 ζέω; ferment (as if boiling up):--leaven.

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ζυμη *6

Matthew 13:33 ... of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, ...
Luke 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took ...
1 Corinthians 5:6 ... not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 5:8 ... with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and ...
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

ζυμης *6

Matthew 16:6 ... and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Matthew 16:11 ... bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Matthew 16:12 ... them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of ...
Mark 8:15 ... beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Luke 12:1 ... Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

ζυμην

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new ...

*G2200 *3 ζεστός (dzes-tos') : from G2204 ζέω; boiled, i.e. (by implication) calid (figuratively, fervent):--hot.

*G2204 *2 ζέω (dzeh'-o) : a primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest):--be fervent.

*G2219 *13 ζύμη (dzoo'-may) : probably from G2204 ζέω; ferment (as if boiling up):--leaven.

Words: ζεοντες ζεστος=3 ζεων ζυμη=6 ζυμην ζυμης=6

The Latin word "levandura" ≈ "leaven" comes from the Latin word "levo" ≈ "raise" which is the source of the following English words.

levy - a way to raise money via taxes (they almost never go down)
elevate - to raise up
levitate - to raise up and maintain that elevation
levee - raised earth to protect against floods

A related word is the Latin word "levis" ≈ "light". This "levis" does not appear to be related to Levi's blue jeans whose name was "Levi" and appears to goes back to the Hebrew name for the Levities.

The Latin word "farina" ≈ "flour, meal" and is the name of a milled wheat cereal and the name of a cereal product from Farina Mills.

Note that "leaven" and "zesty" as "hot" are both derived from the word for "fervent" (discussed below).

Here is a discussion on "zesty" as "hot".

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [kjv]

οιδα σου τα εργα οτι ουτε ψυχρος ει ουτε ζεστος οφελον ψυχροςης η ζεστος [gnt]

… frigidus … calidus … frigidus … calidus [v]

3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [kjv]

ουτως οτι χλιαρος ει και ουτε ζεστος ουτε ψυχρος μελλω σε εμεσαι εκ του στοματος μου [gnt]

Jesus would prefer that the church be either "hot" or "cold" rather than "lukewarm" (neither "hot" nor "cold", shown as "?"). In this case, both "hot" and "cold" are good (e.g., refreshing).
The ancient Greek word "ζεστός" ≈ "seethed, boiled, hot" and is the source of the English word "zesty".

The ancient Greek word "ψυχρός" ≈ "cold, frigid, cold-hearted, lifeless, ineffectual"

Is there a pattern to how "hot" and "cold" are used in the Bible as far as being "good", "bad", etc.?

More: Zesty hot and frigid cold

Exodus 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. [kjv]

επτα ημερας αζυμα εδεσθε απο δε της ημερας της πρωτης αφανιειτε ζυμην εκ των οικιων υμων πας ος αν φαγη ζυμην εξολεθρευθησεται η ψυχη εκεινη εξ ισραηλ απο της ημερας της πρωτης εως της ημερας της εβδομης [lxx]

The concept of "leavened" and "unleavened" bread comes from the passover in Egypt.

During the passover and exodus from Egypt, unleavened bread was to be made as there was not time to make the leavened bread.

Exodus 12:15

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KJV: Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Hebrew: שבעת ימים מצות תאכלו אך ביום הראשון תשביתו שאר מבתיכם כי כל אכל חמץ ונכרתה הנפש ההוא מישראל מיום הראשן עד יום השבעי׃

Greek: επτα ημερας αζυμα εδεσθε απο δε της ημερας της πρωτης αφανιειτε ζυμην εκ των οικιων υμων πας ος αν φαγη ζυμην εξολεθρευθησεται η ψυχη εκεινη εξ ισραηλ απο της ημερας της πρωτης εως της ημερας της εβδομης

Latin: septem diebus azyma comedetis in die primo non erit fermentum in domibus vestris quicumque comederit fermentatum peribit anima illa de Israhel a primo die usque ad diem septimum

Wycliffe: In seuene daies ye schulen ete therf breed; in the firste dai no thing diyt with sour douy schal be in youre housis; who euer schal ete ony thing diyt with sour douy, fro the firste dai til the seuenthe dai, that soule schal perische fro Israel.

Luther: Sieben Tage sollt ihr ungesäuert Brot essen; nämlich am ersten Tage sollt ihr aufhören mit gesäuertem Brot in euren Häusern. Wer gesäuert Brot isset vom ersten Tage an, bis auf den siebenten, des Seele soll ausgerottet werden von Israel.

Spanish: Siete días comeréis panes sin levadura; y así el primer día haréis que no haya levadura en vuestras casas: porque cualquiera que comiere leudado desde el primer día hasta el séptimo, aquella alma será cortada de Israel.

Exodus 12:39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual. [kjv]

και επεψαν το σταις ο εξηνεγκαν εξ αιγυπτου εγκρυφιας αζυμους ου γαρ εζυμωθη εξεβαλον γαρ αυτους οι αιγυπτιοι και ουκ ηδυνηθησαν επιμειναι ουδε επισιτισμον εποιησαν εαυτοις εις την οδον [lxx]

Exodus 12:39

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KJV: And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.

Hebrew: ויאפו את הבצק אשר הוציאו ממצרים עגת מצות כי לא חמץ כי גרשו ממצרים ולא יכלו להתמהמה וגם צדה לא עשו להם׃

Greek: και επεψαν το σταις ο εξηνεγκαν εξ αιγυπτου εγκρυφιας αζυμους ου γαρ εζυμωθη εξεβαλον γαρ αυτους οι αιγυπτιοι και ουκ ηδυνηθησαν επιμειναι ουδε επισιτισμον εποιησαν εαυτοις εις την οδον

Latin: coxeruntque farinam quam dudum conspersam de Aegypto tulerant et fecerunt subcinericios panes azymos neque enim poterant fermentari cogentibus exire Aegyptiis et nullam facere sinentibus moram nec pulmenti quicquam occurrerant praeparare

Wycliffe: And thei bakiden meele, which spreynd to gidere`a while ago thei token fro Egipt, and maden therf looues bakun vnder the aischis; for the looues miyten not be diyt with sour dow, for Egipcians compelliden to go out, and suffriden not to make ony tariyng, nether it was leiser to make ony seew.

Luther: Und sie buken aus dem rohen Teige, den sie aus Ägypten brachten, ungesäuerte Kuchen; denn es war nicht gesäuert, weil sie aus Ägypten gestoßen wurden, und konnten nicht verziehen und hatten ihnen sonst keine Zehrung zubereitet.

Spanish: Y cocieron tortas sin levadura de la masa que habían sacado de Egipto; porque no había leudado, por cuanto fueron echados de Egipto, y no habían podido detenerse, ni aun prepararse comida.

Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. [kjv]

ηλθεν δε η ημερα των αζυμων η εδει θυεσθαι το πασχα [gnt]

Matza is an unleavened flat-bread that is popular in Israel and part of the observance of Passover and appears in Exodus (some verses above). The Hebrew word "םצה" (matza) ≈ "matza".
םצה - matza

The "day of unleavened bread" is the day when there was not time to "leaven" the bread, time to allow it to rise.

Luke 22:7

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KJV: Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

Greek: ηλθεν δε η ημερα των αζυμων εν η εδει θυεσθαι το πασχα

Wycliffe: But the daies of therf looues camen, in whiche it was neede, that the sacrifice of pask were slayn.

Tyndale: Then came ye daye of swete breed when of necessite the esterlambe must be offered.

Geneva: Then came the day of vnleauened bread, when the Passeouer must be sacrificed.

*H7603 שְׂאוֹר (seh-ore') : from H7604; barm or yeast-cake (as swelling by fermentation):--leaven.

*H4682 מַצָּה (mats-tsaw') : from H4711 in the sense of greedily devouring for sweetness; properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the festival of Passover (because no leaven was then used):--unleaved (bread, cake), without leaven.

Some claim that the "mas" part of "Christmas" is related to the "matza" unleavened bread.

Proverbs 20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. [kjv]

Does the "bread" of "deceit" have any connection to leaven?

Note that in Proverbs 20, verses 14 to 19 are not found in the LXX (Septuagint).

Proverbs 20:17

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KJV: Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Hebrew: ערב לאיש לחם שקר ואחר ימלא פיהו חצץ׃

Latin: suavis est homini panis mendacii et postea implebitur os eius calculo

Luther: Das gestohlene Brot schmeckt jedermann wohl; aber hernach wird ihm der Mund voll Kieseling werden.

Slavonic: Сладок есть человеку хлеб лжи, но потом исполнятся уста его камения.

Russian: Сладок для человека хлеб, приобретенный неправдою; но после рот его наполнится дресвою.

Spanish: Sabroso es al hombre el pan de mentira; mas después su boca será llena de cascajo.

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. [kjv]

τον αρτον ημων τον επιουσιον δος ημιν σημερον [gnt]

panem … [v]

… pan … [es]

The Latin word "pane" ≈ "bread" and is the source of the name of "Panera Bread", literally "Bread Bread". The Spanish word "pan" ≈ "bread, loaf".
The English word "lord" is from "loaf guarder" or "loaf ward" (try letting the "f" disappear) where "loaf" was the word for "bread", like Latin "f" to Spanish "h".

Have you ever been to Punera Bread?

Bread puns happen when you yeast expect it. I tell puns because it is the way I was bread.

More: The lord bred to loaf

Revelation 10:9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. [kjv]

10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. [kjv]

This verse reminds one of the verses in Revelation where what John eats is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the belly.

More: The taste of false teaching

Revelation 10:9

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KJV: And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

Greek: και απηλθον απηλθα προς τον αγγελον λεγων αυτω δος δουναι μοι το βιβλαριδιον και λεγει μοι λαβε και καταφαγε αυτο και πικρανει σου την κοιλιαν αλλ εν τω στοματι σου εσται γλυκυ ως μελι

Revelation 10:10

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KJV: And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Greek: και ελαβον το βιβλαριδιον εκ της χειρος του αγγελου και κατεφαγον αυτο και ην εν τω στοματι μου ως μελι γλυκυ και οτε εφαγον αυτο επικρανθη η κοιλια μου

*H3899 לֶחֶם (lekh'-em) : from H3898; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it):--((shew-))bread, X eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also H1036.

Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law… they came to Beth–lehem in the beginning of barley harvest. [kjv]

… ורות … ביתלחם … [he]

και επεστρεψεν νωεμιν και ρουθ η μωαβιτις η νυμφη αυτης επιστρεφουσα εξ αγρου μωαβ αυται δε παρεγενηθησαν εις βαιθλεεμ εν αρχη θερισμου κριθων [lxx]

The name "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread", was one of the near towns whose main industry was producing sacrificial lambs for the passover.

"בית" (beth) ≈ "house".
"להם" (lehem) ≈ "bread".
"ביהלהם" ≈ "Bethlehem".

The fields of "Bethlehem" are where Boaz met Ruth, grandmother of King David.

Who is the "passover lamb" born in the "House of Bread" who "broke the rules" for you and me?

More: Bethlehem: house of bread

Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [kjv]

As mentioned above, the Greek word for "leaven" comes from the Greek word for "fervent". Here are some verses using that word for "fervent".

Acts 18:25

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KJV: This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Greek: ουτος ην κατηχημενος την οδον του κυριου και ζεων τω πνευματι ελαλει και εδιδασκεν ακριβως τα περι του κυριου ιησου επισταμενος μονον το βαπτισμα ιωαννου

Latin: hic erat edoctus viam Domini et fervens spiritu loquebatur et docebat diligenter ea quae sunt Iesu sciens tantum baptisma Iohannis

Wycliffe: This man was tauyt the weie of the Lord, and was feruent in spirit, and spak, and tauyte diligentli tho thingis that weren of Jhesu, and knew oonli the baptym of Joon.

Luther: Dieser war unterweiset den Weg des Herrn und redete mit brünstigem Geist und lehrete mit Fleiß von dem Herrn und wußte allein von der Taufe des Johannes.

Spanish: Éste había sido instruido en el camino del Señor; y siendo ferviente de espíritu, hablaba y enseñaba diligentemente lo concerniente al Señor, aunque sólo conocía el bautismo de Juan.

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [kjv]

τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω κυριω δουλευοντες [gnt]

… slow … bisynesse… [wy]

… busynes … tedious … [ty]

The ancient Greek word "σπεύδω" ≈ "be keen, make haste" in the sense of an urgent focused priority. The Old English word for "busy-ness" became the modern word "business".

The KJV (King James Version) "slothful" is "ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" as in being "fearful".

Paraphrase: Make it an urgent and immediate priority not to shy away or be fearful of ... serving the Lord.

Anyone in business knows not to be fearful or shy away from approaching a customer rather than have them walk out of the store without buying anything.

More: 2 Timothy 2:15 An urgent focused priority to do diligent study

*G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.

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οκνηρε

Matthew 25:26 ... unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that ...

οκνηροι

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

οκνηρον

Philippians 3:1 ... to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

*G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.

Words: οκνηρε οκνηροι οκνηρον

The ancient Greek word "ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" and is related to the Latin word "cunctor" ≈ "delay, hold up, hesitate" and to the English word "hang" as in "hang back". Think of hard "k" going to "kh" and then softening to "h".

Numbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: [kjv]

και ηλθον προς βαλααμ και λεγουσιν αυτω ταδε λεγει βαλακ ο του σεπφωρ αξιω σε μη οκνησης ελθειν προς με [lxx]

… cuncteris … [v]

Romans 12:11

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KJV: Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Greek: τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω καιρω κυριω δουλευοντες

Latin: sollicitudine non pigri spiritu ferventes Domino servientes

Wycliffe: not slow in bisynesse, feruent in spirit, seruynge to the Lord,

Tyndale: Let not yt busynes which ye have in honde be tedious to you. Be fervet in ye sprete. Applye youre selves to ye tyme.

Gothic: usdaudein ni latai; ahmin wulandans; fraujin skalkinondans;

Spanish: Diligentes, no perezosos; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor.

Numbers 22:16

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KJV: And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

Hebrew: ויבאו אל בלעם ויאמרו לו כה אמר בלק בן צפור אל נא תמנע מהלך אלי׃

Greek: και ηλθον προς βαλααμ και λεγουσιν αυτω ταδε λεγει βαλακ ο του σεπφωρ αξιω σε μη οκνησης ελθειν προς με

Latin: qui cum venissent ad Balaam dixerunt sic dicit Balac filius Sepphor ne cuncteris venire ad me

Romans 12:11

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KJV: Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Greek: τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω καιρω κυριω δουλευοντες

Latin: sollicitudine non pigri spiritu ferventes Domino servientes

Wycliffe: not slow in bisynesse, feruent in spirit, seruynge to the Lord,

Gothic: usdaudein ni latai; ahmin wulandans; fraujin skalkinondans;

Luther: Seid nicht träge, was ihr tun sollt. Seid brünstig im Geiste. Schicket euch in die Zeit.

Spanish: Diligentes, no perezosos; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor.

Job 32:19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. [kjv]

η δε γαστηρ μου ωσπερ ασκος γλευκους ζεων δεδεμενος η ωσπερ φυσητηρ χαλκεως ερρηγως [lxx]

This verse from Job may have significance in relation to old an new wine and wine skins in the GNT (Greek New Testament).

Details are left as a future topic.

Job 32:19

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KJV: Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

Hebrew: הנה בטני כיין לא יפתח כאבות חדשים יבקע׃

Greek: η δε γαστηρ μου ωσπερ ασκος γλευκους ζεων δεδεμενος η ωσπερ φυσητηρ χαλκεως ερρηγως

Job 41:31 He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. [kjv]

To "effervesce" is to froth or boil over. It comes from the Latin word "fervesco" ≈ "grow hot, begin to boil".

Job 41:31

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KJV: He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.

Hebrew: ירתיח כסיר מצולה ים ישים כמרקחה׃

Greek: αναζει την αβυσσον ωσπερ χαλκειον ηγηται δε την θαλασσαν ωσπερ εξαλειπτρον

Latin: fervescere faciet quasi ollam profundum mare ponet quasi cum unguenta bulliunt

Luther: Er macht, daß das tiefe Meer siedet wie ein Topf, und rührt es ineinander, wie man eine Salbe menget.

The English word "enzyme" comes from the German word "Enzym" ≈ "enzyme" which was coined in 1878 by German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne from the ancient Greek prefix "ἐν" ≈ "in" and the ancient Greek word "ζύμη" ≈ "leaven, yeast" as, for example, "sourdough".

The fundamental building block code of enzymes is DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).

DNA is known as the code of life, a (fairly) fault-tolerant digital code. It contains the building blocks of plant and human life.

All 20 human amino acids can be created with these building blocks and are used to make complex molecules called proteins which make enzymes.

Together, proteins and enzymes control almost everything that happens in life from conception through life until death.

More: DNA: code introduction

Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [kjv]

ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτοις ορατε και προσεχετε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων [gnt]

Jesus uses the word "leaven" as a code word.That is, as a word that to get another meaning of the same passage one substitutes another meaning for the code word. This is well accepted here since the code word is explained, but there appear to be many other code words used by Jesus.

Jesus often uses code words so that sayings have more than one meaning. All the meanings can be true. The encoded (literal) form makes (some) sense and the decoded form makes sense. In general:

Noun words can be code words. Pronouns can be ambiguous.
Verb words are carefully chosen to work in both contexts.

By definition, in the security field, a code word is a word that needs to be substituted with another word (e.g., using a code book) to determine the meaning. By definition, in the security field, a secret code is a code whose meaning is to be obscured to anyone without the code book.

So Jesus, by definition, uses secret codes. However, these codes appear to provide only authentication information (and warnings about certain heresies) but no special salvation knowledge - which is always is clear text.

More: Parables and secret codes explained by Jesus

Matthew 16:6

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KJV: Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Greek: ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτοις ορατε και προσεχετε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων

Matthew 16:11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? [kjv]

πως ου νοειτε οτι ου περι αρτων ειπον υμιν προσεχετε δε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων [gnt]

16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [kjv]

Jesus then has to explain that he was not talking about "leaven" and "bread" but in a code.

The disciples now understand. Matthew associates "leaven" with "doctrine" or "teaching".

More: Didache: The doctrine of teaching

Matthew 16:11

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KJV: How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

Greek: πως ου νοειτε οτι ου περι αρτου αρτων ειπον υμιν προσεχειν προσεχετε δε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων

Matthew 16:12

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KJV: Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Greek: τοτε συνηκαν οτι ουκ ειπεν προσεχειν απο της ζυμης του αρτου αλλ των αρτων αλλα απο της διδαχης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων

Latin: tunc intellexerunt quia non dixerit cavendum a fermento panum sed a doctrina Pharisaeorum et Sadducaeorum

Wycliffe: Thanne thei vndurstooden, that he seide not to be war of sourdowy of looues, but of the techyng of Farisees and Saducees.

Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. [kjv]

και διεστελλετο αυτοις λεγων ορατε βλεπετε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και της ζυμης ηρωδου [gnt]

… beistis … beistis … [got]

From Mark, it appears that both the religious establishment and the Herod, the ruler of Judea, can have "leaven"

Apparently, Herod, and those working for him as a human organization, can have "leaven".

Leaven might be associated with influence - and not necessarily good influence.

Mark 8:15

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KJV: And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

Greek: και διεστελλετο αυτοις λεγων ορατε βλεπετε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και της ζυμης ηρωδου

Gothic: jah anabauth im qithands: saihvith ei atsaihvith izwis this beistis fareisaie jah beistis herodis.

Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [kjv]

εν οις επισυναχθεισων των μυριαδων του οχλου ωστε καταπατειν αλληλους ηρξατο λεγειν προς τους μαθητας αυτου πρωτον προσεχετε εαυτοις απο της ζυμης ητις εστιν υποκρισις των φαρισαιων [gnt]

Luke associates "leaven" with "hypocrisy". However, the Greek word at that time had a different meaning (see below).

Luke 12:1

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KJV: In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Greek: εν οις επισυναχθεισων των μυριαδων του οχλου ωστε καταπατειν αλληλους ηρξατο λεγειν προς τους μαθητας αυτου πρωτον προσεχετε εαυτοις απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων ητις εστιν υποκρισις των φαρισαιων

Many times Jesus appears to rebuke the Pharisees as "hypocrites", in the modern sense, because the apply rules to others but not to themselves, reflexively. On closer inspection, and using the definition of "hypocrite" at the time, this is not quite what is happening.

The modern definition of "hypocrite" appears to come from a misinterpretation of what Jesus says in Matthew 7:3-5 (plank or splinter in the eye).

When Jesus says "You hypocrites", instead of the modern sense, it might be better read as "You actors" as in "You pretenders" or "Get real" or "Get in touch with reality" or "Get in touch with the truth". Substituting "actors" or "pretenders" might make for a better translation than "hypocrites".

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? [kjv]

ου καλον το καυχημα υμων ουκ οιδατε οτι μικρα ζυμη ολον το φυραμα ζυμοι [gnt]

5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: [kjv]

εκκαθαρατε την παλαιαν ζυμην ινα ητε νεον φυραμα καθως εστε αζυμοι και γαρ το πασχα ημων ετυθη χριστος [gnt]

Paul uses "leaven" in an interesting way.

1 Corinthians 5:6

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KJV: Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Greek: ου καλον το καυχημα υμων ουκ οιδατε οτι μικρα ζυμη ολον το φυραμα ζυμοι

Gothic: ni goda so hvoftuli izwara; niu wituth thatei leitil beistis allana daig gabeisteith?

1 Corinthians 5:7

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KJV: Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Greek: εκκαθαρατε ουν την παλαιαν ζυμην ινα ητε νεον φυραμα καθως εστε αζυμοι και γαρ το πασχα ημων υπερ ημων ετυθη χριστος

Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. [kjv]

μικρα ζυμη ολον το φυραμα ζυμοι [gnt]

A more concise statement by Paul is in Galatians 5:9.

Galatians 5:9

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KJV: A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Greek: μικρα ζυμη ολον το φυραμα ζυμοι

Latin: modicum fermentum totam massam corrumpit

Wycliffe: A litil souredowy apeirith al the gobet.

*G5445 *5 φύραμα (foo'-ram-ah) : from a prolonged form of phuro (to mix a liquid with a solid; perhaps akin to G5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough:--lump.

Usage

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φυραμα *4

Romans 11:16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if ...
1 Corinthians 5:6 ... leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 5:7 ... that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. ...
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

φυραματος

Romans 9:21 ... over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel ...

*G5445 *5 φύραμα (foo'-ram-ah) : from a prolonged form of phuro (to mix a liquid with a solid; perhaps akin to G5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough:--lump.

Words: φυραμα=4 φυραματος

▶

1 Bad apple 0

2 Bad apple 1

3 Bad apple 2

4 Bad apple 3

5 Bad apple 4

Here is the progression. Start with a group where everything is going good.

Now get a little leaven into the group. Or "one bad apple".

That leaven, or "bad apple" spreads to some others.

Then it spreads more.

Eventually, the leaven has spread to the entire group. The one "bad apple" has made all of the apples bad.

Once it is through the entire group, everything seems consistent and bad teaching or doctrine might not even be noticed.

An English proverb is that "One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch" (or variation thereof).

The origin is that of a metaphor whereby one person can corrupt (or change) an entire group
The English phrase "A rotten apple quickly infects its neighbor" dates to 1340. Wikipedia.

Benjamin Franklin include "the rotten apple spoils his companion" in his Poor Richard's Almanac in 1736. Wikipedia.

Does the apple really spoil the others or were they ready to go bad?

This fundamental question is similar to the corrupting influence of absolute power.

John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton (1834-1902) said that "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men..." (Wikipedia) in a letter to an Anglican bishop.

The question is this. Did the power corrupt or did the opportunity to use power show what already existed in the person?

More: Absolute power

Apparently, a gas related to ethylene which causes the nippering process to accelerate and cause over-ripening is the cause of one bad apple (fruit, etc.) having an effect on making the others go bad (ripen or over-ripen) faster.

The Osmonds musical group of 1970 takes issue with this reasoning in their hit song "One bad apple", released November 14, 1970. It was written with the Jackson 5, including young Michael Jackson, in mind, but then recorded and released by the Osmonds in their album, "Osmonds".
Another song on that Osmonds album was "He ain't heavy, he's my brother". The chorus lyrics providing the title are as follows.

In Genesis in the Garden of Eden, one not necessarily bad but forbidden apple that was eaten did make the whole bunch (i.e., the human race) spoiled.
Thus genetic sin entered the human race and is part of human nature from birth.

Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. [kjv]

ει αλλαξεται αιθιοψ το δερμα αυτου και παρδαλις τα ποικιλματα αυτης και υμεις δυνησεσθε ευ ποιησαι μεμαθηκοτες τα κακα [lxx]

If the Ethiopian shall change his skin, or the leopardess her spots, then shall you° be able to do good, having learnt evil. [bs3]

Is it nature (e.g., genetics) or nurture (e.g., environment)? Is it a combination of these?
Jeremiah uses that analogy to tell the people that they have learned to do some of the bad things that they do and they need not be bad in that way.

More: Jeremiah 13: Nature and nurture and leopard spots

In Old English, an apple was a piece of fruit. A pineapple is a piece of fruit that looks somewhat like a pine cone.

According to Greek legend, the fruit was a fig - from which the fig leaves for garments were created by Adam and Eve.

Figs and fig trees are mentioned often in the GNT.

Details are left as a future topic.

God provided the sacrifice of a sheep (it would appear) to provide wool clothing as a better covering than the leaves.

Cain learned this later when Abel's animal-based offering was preferred to his plant-based offering.

In Malcolm Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" (2007) Gladwell investigates how little changes can add up to suddenly tip the result the other way.

I remember a demonstration of this in chemistry (at a World's Fair) where adding drop by drop did not change the color of the solution until, suddenly, one added drop did change the color of the entire solution.