Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Ferment, in biblical terms, often refers to the process of leavening, where yeast or another leavening agent causes dough to rise. This process is both literal and metaphorical in the Scriptures, symbolizing both physical and spiritual concepts. In the Bible, ferment is frequently associated with leaven, which is used in various contexts to illustrate purity, sin, and the transformative power of the Kingdom of God. Old Testament References In the Old Testament, leaven is primarily mentioned in the context of the Passover. The Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commemorates their hasty departure from Egypt. Exodus 12:15 states, "For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day, you are to remove the leaven from your houses, for whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day must be cut off from Israel." Here, leaven symbolizes sin and corruption, and its removal signifies purification and readiness to follow God's commands. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus uses leaven metaphorically to describe the pervasive nature of the Kingdom of God and the influence of sin. In Matthew 13:33 , Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." This parable illustrates how the Kingdom of God, though starting small, permeates and transforms the world. Conversely, Jesus warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" in Matthew 16:6 , which refers to their teachings and hypocrisy. The Apostle Paul also uses leaven as a metaphor for sin in the church, urging believers to remove it to maintain purity. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 , Paul writes, "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, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Symbolism and Interpretation Leaven, or ferment, serves as a powerful symbol in biblical teaching. It represents both the subtle and pervasive nature of sin and the transformative power of God's Kingdom. The dual symbolism underscores the importance of vigilance against sin and the potential for spiritual growth and renewal through Christ. Cultural and Historical Insights In ancient times, leavening was a common practice in bread-making, and its effects were well understood by the people of the Bible. The prohibition of leaven during certain feasts highlighted the need for holiness and separation from sin. The use of leaven as a metaphor would have resonated deeply with the original audience, who were familiar with its properties and effects. Theological Implications The concept of ferment in the Bible invites believers to reflect on the nature of sin and righteousness. It challenges Christians to examine their lives for any "leaven" that might corrupt their faith and to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel. The imagery of leaven also encourages believers to be agents of change, spreading the influence of God's Kingdom in the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That which causes fermentation, as yeast, barm, or fermenting beer.2. (n.) Intestine motion; heat; tumult; agitation. 3. (n.) A gentle internal motion of the constituent parts of a fluid; fermentation. 4. (n.) To cause ferment of fermentation in; to set in motion; to excite internal emotion in; to heat. 5. (v. i.) To undergo fermentation; to be in motion, or to be excited into sensible internal motion, as the constituent particles of an animal or vegetable fluid; to work; to effervesce. 6. (v. i.) To be agitated or excited by violent emotions. Greek 2220. zumoo -- to leaven ... to leaven. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: zumoo Phonetic Spelling: (dzoo-mo'-o) Short Definition: I leaven, ferment Definition: I leaven, ferment. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2220.htm - 6k 2219. zume -- leaven Strong's Hebrew 2560a. chamar -- to ferment, boil or foam up... 2560, 2560a. chamar. 2560b . to ferment, boil or foam up. Transliteration: chamar Short Definition: troubled. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/2560a.htm - 5k 2560. chamar -- to ferment, boil or foam up 2557. chamets -- that which is leavened Library Leaven The New Testament Promoted and Completed the Fatal Identification ... Purifying the Soul The Origin of the New Testament A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord. A Summary of Experience and a Body of Divinity Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Introductory Notice to Peter, Bishop of Alexandria. Buying a Slave Girl Kingo's Childhood and Youth Thesaurus Ferment (3 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) To cause ferment of fermentation in; to set in motion; to excite internal emotion in; to heat. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ferment (3 Occurrences). ... /f/ferment.htm - 7k Leaven (24 Occurrences) Work (4564 Occurrences) Fermented (23 Occurrences) Wine (282 Occurrences) Judaeus Philo Yeast (48 Occurrences) Kneading-trough (2 Occurrences) Kneadingtrough Resources What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Augustus Caesar's impact on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.org Ferment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ferment (3 Occurrences)Acts 21:31 Psalms 73:21 Ecclesiastes 10:1 Subtopics Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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