ἄλευρον

meal, flour

Definition

ἄλευρον refers to fine flour or meal, specifically the product of grinding wheat after the bran has been sifted out. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in the context of baking, denoting the high-quality flour used for making bread. This is seen in both of its occurrences, which are parallel parables of Jesus about the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:21). The word consistently carries this singular, concrete meaning of a refined grain product.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in the parallel parables found in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21. In both instances, a woman takes leaven and hides it in 'three measures of flour' (ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία) until the whole batch is leavened. The usage is identical, describing a specific quantity of fine flour as a key element in Jesus' analogy for the pervasive growth of the Kingdom of God.

Etymology

The noun ἄλευρον is derived from the verb ἀλέω, meaning 'to grind.' It is related to other Greek words for grinding or milling. The word specifically denotes the product of that grinding process—the fine, sifted flour, as opposed to coarser meal. Its etymology directly points to its practical, domestic origin in food preparation.

Semantic Range

While ἄλευρον itself is a common substance, its use in Jesus' parables gives it theological significance. The 'three measures of flour' (a very large quantity, roughly 50 pounds) is an allusion to Abraham's hospitality in Genesis 18:6, subtly connecting the Kingdom to God's covenant promises. The image of flour being completely permeated by leaven illustrates the transformative and all-encompassing nature of God's kingdom, which starts small but ultimately affects the whole. Understanding that this is fine flour highlights the quality of the 'batch' into which the kingdom is introduced.

In the ancient world, fine flour (ἄλευρον) was a valuable commodity, more costly and desirable than coarse meal. The 'three measures' (σάτα τρία) mentioned is an enormous amount for a single household, symbolizing abundance and significant preparation, often for a feast or a special offering. This scale makes the parable's image more striking, as the woman's action with the leaven affects a vast quantity of a prized ingredient.

σιτίον (sition, G4621) — a general term for 'grain' or 'wheat,' not the milled product. | κόκκος (kokkos, G2848) — a 'grain' or 'seed' of wheat, the unit before grinding.

Word Details

Scripture References