1 Corinthians 5:6

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1 Corinthians 5:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

This pride of yours is not good. Do you not see that a little leaven makes a change in all the mass?

Free Bible Version FBV

You shouldn't be proud about this. Don't you know that it only takes a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Your reioycing is not good: knowe ye not that a litle leauen, leaueneth ye whole lumpe?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Not good [is] your glorying; have ye not known that a little leaven the whole lump doth leaven?

World English Bible WEB

Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Your boasting is not good. Know ye not, that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Your glorying is not good. Know you not that a little leaven corrupteth the whole lump?

Translation for Translators T4T

It is not good that, while you are letting that immoral man continue to be in your congregation, you are boasting about being spiritually mature. ◄You know that a small amount of yeast affects all the bread dough [MET] into which it is put {a woman puts it}./Do you not know that a small amount of yeast affects all the bread dough [MET] into which it is put?► [RHQ] Similarly, one person who continues to sin will have a bad effect on all the congregation.

Plain English Version PEV

So stop telling everyone that you are properly good. It’s not true. Let me tell you a picture story about baking powder. We put a little bit of baking powder into the flour when we make damper. And that little bit of baking powder goes into all the flour in the bowl and makes all the dough swell up.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 5:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

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

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

καλον kalos G2570 Fair (Havens) Adj-NSN

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

καυχημα kauchēma G2745 pride Noun-NSN

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N

οιδατε eidō G1492 to perceive: see Verb-RAI-2P

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

μικρα mikros G3398 small Adj-NSF

ζυμη zumē G2219 leaven Noun-NSF

ολον holos G3650 all Adj-ASN

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

φυραμα phurama G5445 lump Noun-ASN

ζυμοι zumoō G2220 to leaven Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 5:6

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

καλον kalos G2570 "Fair (Havens)" Adj-NSN

Something or someone that is kalos is fair, beautiful, or good, like the stones in Luke 21:5 or the fish in Matthew 13:48.

Definition: καλός, -ή, -όν, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹבָה ,טוֹב, also for יָפֶה, etc. ;] __1. primarily, of outward form ("related to . . . ἀγαθός as the appearance to the essence," Cremer, 339), fair, beautiful: λίθοι (BV, goodly), Luk.21:5. __2. In reference to use, of that which is well adapted to its ends, good, excellent: of fish, τ. καλά (opposite to σαπρά), Mat.13:48; σπέρμα, Mat.13:24, 27, 37, 38; καρπός, Mat.3:10 7:17-19 12:33, Luk.3:9 [WH] 6:43; δένδρον (opposite to σαρπόν), Mat.12:33, Luk.6:43; γῆ, Mat.13:8, 23 Mrk.4:8, 20 Luk.8:15; τ. ἅλας, Mrk.9:50, Luk.14:34; ὁ νόμος, Rom.7:16, 1Ti.1:8; διδασκαλία, 1Ti.4:6; καρδία κ. καὶ ἀγαθή, Luk.8:15; παραθήκη, 2Ti.1:14; μέτρον, Luk.6:38; βαθμός, 1Ti.3:13; θεμέλιος, 1Ti.6:19; τὸ κ., 1Th.5:21; μαργαρίται, Mat.13:45; οἶνος, Jhn.2:10; ποιμήν, Jhn.10:11, 14; διάκονος, 1Ti.4:6; οἰκονόμος, 1Pe.4:10; στρατιώτης, 2Ti.2:3; στρατεία, 1Ti.1:18; ἀγών, 1Ti.6:12, 2Ti.4:7; ὁμολογία, 1Ti.6:12, 13; ἔργον, Mat.26:10, Mrk.14:6, Jhn.10:33, 1Ti.3:1; pl., Jhn.10:32; καλόν, with inf. and dative, Mat.18:8, 9 1Co.7:1, 26 9:15; id. with accusative and inf., Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, 43, 45, 47, Luk.9:33, Heb.13:9; before εἰ, Mat.26:24, Mrk.9:42 14:21; ἐάν, 1Co.7:8. __3. Ethically, good, in the sense of right, fair, noble, honourable: Gal.4:18, Heb.5:14; ἔργα, Mat.5:16, 1Ti.5:10, 25 6:18, Tit.2:7, 14 3:8, 14 (Field, Notes, 223f.), Heb.10:24, 1Pe.2:12; ἀναστροφή, Jas.3:13, 1Pe.2:12; συνείδησις, Heb.13:18; before ἐνώπιον, Rom.12:17, 2Co.8:21, 1Ti.2:3; το] κ. ποιεῖν (κατεργάζεσθαι), Rom.7:18, 21 2Co.13:7, Gal.6:9, Jas.4:17; καλόν ἐστιν, with inf., Mat.15:26 (T, ἔξεστιν), Mrk.7:27, Rom.14:21, Gal.4:18; μαρτυρία, 1Ti.3:7; ὄνομα, Jas.2:7; καύχημα, 1Co.5:6 (neg.); θεοῦ ῥῆμα, Heb.6:5. κ. does not occur in Re.† SYN.: see: ἀγαθός. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 6:43; 1 Peter 2:12.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

καυχημα kauchēma G2745 "pride" Noun-NSN

A boast or something to be proud of, as in 2 Corinthians 5:12 and Romans 4:2. It can be a good or bad thing, like a reason to glory or a source of pride. The KJV translates it as boasting or glorying.

Definition: καύχημα, -τος, τό (καυχάομαι), [in LXX chiefly for תְּהִלָּה, תִּפְאָרָה ;] __1. a boast (Pind.): 2Co.5:12 9:3 (Thayer, see word; e. contra, 2, Ellic., Lft., on Gal.6:4; Lft., Notes, 204, 277). __2. ground or matter of glorying: Rom.4:2, 1Co.5:6 9:15-16, 2Co.1:14, Gal.6:4, Php.1:26 2:16, Heb.3:6 (cf. καύχησις).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: boasting, (whereof) to glory (of), glorying, rejoice(-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 9:3; Hebrews 3:6.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

οιδατε eidō G1492 "to perceive: see" Verb-RAI-2P

This verb means to see or perceive, used in the Bible to describe spiritual awareness or insight. In Matthew 25:13 and John 10:4, it refers to recognizing God's presence or will. The verb is often used to encourage believers to seek spiritual understanding and discernment.

Definition: οἶδα, (from same root as εἶδον, which see), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] pf. with present meaning (plpf. as impf.; on irregular tense-forms, see App.), to have seen or perceived, hence, to know, have knowledge of: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.25:13, Mrk.10:19, Jhn.10:4, Rom.7:7, al.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:72, Jhn.1:31, Act.3:16, al.; τ. θεόν, 1Th.4:5, Tit.1:16, al.; with accusative and inf., Luk.4:41, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.9:6, Luk.20:21, Jhn.3:2, Rom.2:2 11:2, al.; before quaest. indir., Mat.26:70, Jhn.9:21, Eph.1:18, al.; with inf., to know how (cl.), Mat.7:11, Luk.11:13, Php.4:12, 1Th.4:4, al.; in unique sense of respect, appreciate: 1Th.5:12 (but see also ICC on 1Th.4:4). SYN.: see: γινώσκω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 295 NT verses. KJV: be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; Acts 26:27; 1 Peter 1:8.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

μικρα mikros G3398 "small" Adj-NSF

This word means small or little, like in Matthew 10:42 where it refers to those who are humble or lowly. It can describe size, amount, or importance.

Definition: μικρός, -ά, -όν [in LXX chiefly for קָטָן, מָעַט ;] small, little; __1. of persons; __(a) lit., of stature: Mrk.15:40 (MM, iii, xvi; on the view that age is meant, see Deiss., BS, 144), Luk.19:3; οἱ μ., the little ones, Mat.18:6, 10 18:14, Mrk.9:42; __(b) hence metaphorically, of rank or influence (cf. Dalman, Words, 113 f.) : Mat.10:42, Luk.17:2, Act.8:10 26:22, Heb.8:11" (LXX), Rev.11:18 13:16 19:5, 18 20:12; compar., -ότερος, Mat.11:11, Luk.7:28 9:48. __2. Of things; __(a) of size : Mat.13:32 Mrk.4:31, Jas.3:5; __(b) of quantity: Luk.12:32, 1Co.5:6, Gal.5:9, Rev.3:8; __(with) of time : Jhn.7:33 12:35, Rev.6:11 20:3. __3. Neut., μικρόν, used adverbially; __(a) of distance: Mat.26:39, Mrk.14:35; __(b) of quantity: 2Co.11:1 11:16; __(with) of time : Jhn.13:33 14:19 16:16-19, Heb.10:37; μετὰ μ., Mat.26:73, Mrk.14:70.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: least, less, little, small See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 19:3; Hebrews 8:11.

ζυμη zumē G2219 "leaven" Noun-NSF

Leaven is like yeast, it makes dough rise. In the Bible, it can also mean a moral influence, often a bad one, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 and Galatians 5:9. Jesus used it as a parable in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21.

Definition: ζύμη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX for חָמֵץ, Exo.12:16 13:3 23:18 34:25, Deu.16:3; שְׂאֹר, Exo.12:16, 19 13:7, Lev.2:11, Deu.16:4 * ;] leaven: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21; τ. ἄρτου, Mat.16:12. Metaphorical, of a moral influence or tendency, always, exc. in the Parable of the Leaven (Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21), for evil: 1Co.5:6-8, Gal.5:9; ζ. τ. Φαρισαίων, Mat.16:6, 11, Mrk.8:16, Luk.12:1 (Cremer, 723).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: leaven See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 13:21; Matthew 16:12.

ολον holos G3650 "all" Adj-ASN

The Greek word for 'all' or 'whole', meaning complete in every way, is used in the Bible to describe things that are entire or total, like in Luke 5:5 and Acts 11:26.

Definition: ὅλος, -η, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] of persons and things, whole, entire, complete; __1. of indefinite ideas, with subst. anarth.: Luk.5:5, Act.11:26 28:30, Tit.1:11; ὅλον ἄνθρωπον (an entire man; see Field, Notes, 93), Jhn.7:23; ὅλη Ἰερουσαλήμ (= πᾶσα Ἰ, Mat.2:3; see Bl., §47, 9), Act.21:31. __2. Definite, with art.; __(a) preceding subst.: Mat.4:23, 24 Luk.8:39, 1Co.12:17, al.; __(b) following subst.: Mrk.1:33, Luk.9:25, Jhn.4:53, Act.21:30, al.; __(with) between art. and subst., where subst. is an abstract noun (Plat., al.). __3. Attached to adj. or verb: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21, Jhn.9:34, al.; adverbially, δι ̓ ὅλου (MM, xviii), Jhn.19:23. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 100 NT verses. KJV: all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 11:36; Hebrews 3:2.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φυραμα phurama G5445 "lump" Noun-ASN

A lump, like a lump of dough in Romans 11:16 and Galatians 5:9.

Definition: φύραμα, -τος, τό (φυράω, to mix), [in LXX: Exo.8:3 (Exo.7:28) Exo.12:34 (מִשְׁאֶרֶת), מִשְׁאֶרֶת), Num.15:20-21 (עֲרִיסָה) * ;] that which is mixed or kneaded, a lump: of dough, Rom.11:16, 1Co.5:6-7, Gal.5:9; of clay, Rom.9:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: lump See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9; Romans 9:21.

ζυμοι zumoō G2220 "to leaven" Verb-PAI-3S

To leaven means to add yeast to dough to make it rise. In the Bible, it can also mean to influence or spread an idea, as seen in Matthew 13:33 and 1 Corinthians 5:6. It's often used to describe the spread of bad ideas or behaviors.

Definition: ζυμόω, -ῶ (ζύμη), [in LXX for חָמֵץ, Exo.12:34, 39 Lev.6:17 23:17, Hos.7:4 * ;] to leaven: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21, 1Co.5:6, Gal.5:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: leaven See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 5:6

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Sermons on 1 Corinthians 5:6

Context — Immorality Rebuked

4When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, 5hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.

6Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?

7Get 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. 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Galatians 5:9	A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.
2	1 Corinthians 15:33	Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
3	James 4:16	As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.
4	1 Corinthians 5:2	And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this?
5	1 Corinthians 4:18–19	Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.
6	1 Corinthians 3:21	Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,
7	Luke 13:21	It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”
8	Matthew 13:33	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.”
9	Matthew 16:6–12	“Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.” Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
10	2 Timothy 2:17	and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

1 Corinthians 5:6 Summary

The Apostle Paul is saying that even a small amount of sin or evil can spread and affect the entire community, just like a little yeast can make a whole batch of dough rise. This means that we need to be careful about the influences we allow into our lives and the company we keep, because they can have a big impact on our relationship with God and others (see 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 22:24-25). By recognizing the danger of 'a little leaven', we can take steps to remove it from our lives and live in a way that is pleasing to God. This involves being honest with ourselves and others, and seeking to live a life of sincerity and truth, just as we are called to in 1 Corinthians 5:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of boasting is the Apostle Paul referring to in 1 Corinthians 5:6?

The boasting in this verse is likely related to the Corinthians' tolerance of sin within their church, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, and their pride in being a spiritually mature community, despite this sin (see also 1 Corinthians 4:8).

What does the phrase 'a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough' mean?

This phrase, also found in Galatians 5:9, is a metaphor that warns how a small amount of evil or sin can spread and affect the entire community, just like a little yeast can cause a whole batch of dough to rise (see also Matthew 16:6).

How can we apply the principle of leaven to our own lives?

We can apply this principle by recognizing that small, seemingly insignificant sins or compromises can have a profound impact on our spiritual lives and the lives of those around us, and that we must be vigilant in removing them, just as we would remove old leaven from our homes (see 1 Corinthians 5:7, Exodus 12:15).

What is the relationship between leaven and spiritual growth?

The presence of leaven in our lives can hinder spiritual growth, as it represents the influence of sin and worldly values, whereas removing leaven and living a life of sincerity and truth allows us to grow in our faith and become more like Christ (see 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 4:15).

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be tolerating 'a little leaven' that could be affecting my relationship with God and others?
How can I balance the need to remove sin and evil from my life with the command to love and forgive others, as seen in verses like Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 6:27-28?
In what ways can I be more intentional about 'getting rid of the old leaven' in my own life, and what practices or habits can help me do so (see 1 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Timothy 2:21)?
How does the concept of leaven relate to the idea of community and corporate spiritual responsibility, and what role do I play in helping to 'purify' my own community of faith?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 5:6

Your glorying is not good,.... Their glorying in their outward flourishing condition, in their riches and wealth, and in their ministers, in their wisdom and parts when under such an humbling

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 5:6

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Your glorying in your attachments and your teachers (1 Corinthians 3:21), while all the while ye connive at such a scandal, is quite unseemly.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:6

You boast and glory because you have men of parts amongst you, persons whom the world count wise; your glorying is not good; what do you glory for, when you have such a scandalous person amongst you, and take no care to cast him out? Can you be ignorant, that as a little leaven taken into the midst of the meal, and there kept, presently soureth the whole mass, and leaveneth the whole lump; so one notorious, scandalous sinner detained in the bosom of a church, casts a blot upon the whole church?

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:6

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Ver. 6. Your glorying is not good] It is the height of wickedness to glory in wickedness, as Lamech, Genesis 4:23-24, and Alexander Pheraeus, who consecrated the javelin wherewith he had slain Polyphron. Protagoras boasted that he had spent forty years in corrupting of youth. (Plato.) Mark Antony vomited out a book concerning his own ability to eat and drink much. Joannes a Casa, dean of the pope’ s chamber, wrote a poem in commendation of his own beastly sin of sodomy. And Stokesly, Bishop of London in King Henry VIII’ s time, lying at point of death, rejoiced, boasting that in his lifetime he had burned fifty heretics, that is, good Christians. (Acts and Mon.) A little leaven leaveneth, &c.] One spoonful of vinegar will soon sour a great deal of sweet milk; but a great deal of milk will not so soon sweeten one spoonful of vinegar. One sinner may destroy much good, saith Solomon, Ecclesiastes 9:18. He may be a common mischief, if tolerated, by spreading the infection of his wickedness, which is more catching than the plague.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:6

(6) Your glorying is not good.—There is possibly a reference here to some boasting regarding their spiritual state contained in the letter which had reached St. Paul from Corinth, and to which part of this Epistle is a reply. (See 1 Corinthians 7:1.) So long as there is that one bad person amongst you it gives a bad character to the whole community, as leaven, though it may not have pervaded the entire lump, still makes it not the unleavened bread which was necessary for the Paschal Feast. This Epistle being written shortly before Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8), it was very likely some time about or soon after Easter, hence the leaven and the Paschal Feast naturally suggest themselves as illustrations. The Apostle passes on rapidly from the mention of the leaven to the whole scene of the feast. As with the most minute and scrupulous care the Jew would remove every atom of leaven when the Paschal lamb was to be eaten, so our Paschal Lamb having been slain, we must take care that no moral leaven remains in the sacred household of the Church while she keeps her perpetual feast of prayer and thanksgiving.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:6

Verse 6. Your glorying is not good.] You are triumphing in your superior knowledge, and busily employed in setting up and supporting your respective teachers, while the Church is left under the most scandalous corruptions-corruptions which threaten its very existence if not purged away. Know ye not] With all your boasted wisdom, do you not know and acknowledge the truth of a common maxim, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? If this leaven-the incestuous person, be permitted to remain among you; if his conduct be not exposed by the most formidable censure; the flood-gates of impurity will be opened on the Church, and the whole state of Christianity ruined in Corinth.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 5:6

6. Your glorying is not good] Rather, that state of things of which you glory is not good. The word here translated glorying signifies that whereof a man glories, and is so translated in Romans 4:2. Cf. ch. 1 Corinthians 9:15-16; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:12; 2 Corinthians 9:3, &c., where the same word is used, but is variously translated in our version. The Corinthians are once more reminded how little cause they had for self-glorification. As long as they permitted such an offender to defile their society they were in a measure partakers of his sin.a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump] The presence of a very small amount of evil in the Christian society imparts a character to the whole—a truth only too folly exemplified in the after-history of the Christian Church. From the evil that has crept into the Christian society men have taken occasion to deny its divine origin. The student of history will remember how dexterously Gibbon contrives to throw discredit upon Christianity by enlarging upon the shortcomings of the early Church, and by evading the comparison between its moral elevation and the shocking demoralization of heathen society. The same words are to be found in Galatians 5:9.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 5:6

Your glorying - Your boasting; or confidence in your present condition, as if you were eminent in purity and piety. Is not good - Is not well, proper, right.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:6

b. Sin, like a pervading leaven, must be purged from the Church, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.6. Your glorying—Rather, your ground of boasting; namely, an entire forgetfulness of your disgrace from this sensuality.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 5:6

	Sermon	Description
	(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men
	Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th
	Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion
	Christ in the Jewish Passover by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Passover Seder, a ritual practiced by Jewish people. He explains that during the Seder, the second cup of wine is called the cup of judgme
	Lord, Cleanse Me From Secret Sin by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of overcoming the setting sin. He emphasizes the importance of realizing that as believers, we are constantly being watched and o
	Walking Out Our Faith by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher addresses three main topics: dealing with churchgoers who claim to be Christians but live contrary to biblical teachings, handling conflicts between Ch
	The Power of the Cross - (Part 3) by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the pastor tells a story about a woman who was too busy to clean her house. The pastor confronts her and tells her that the reason she is dirty is because she hates