Galatians 5:9
Galatians 5:9 in Multiple Translations
A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
A little leaven makes a change in all the mass.
You only need a little bit of yeast to raise the whole batch of dough.
A litle leauen doeth leauen the whole lumpe.
a little leaven the whole lump doth leaven;
A little yeast grows through the whole lump.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
A little leaven corrupteth the whole lump.
Remember that this false doctrine that someone is teaching you will affect all of you, just like [MET] a little yeast causes all of the dough to swell up.
I’ll use a picture story about cooking damper. If you put a little bit of baking powder into a big lot of flour, it will make it all swell up. Well just like that, somebody told a few of you the wrong message, and now a lot of you are going wrong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 5:9
BAB
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Galatians 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
μικρα
ζυμη
ολον
το
φυραμα
ζυμοι
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 — Galatians 5:9
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'.
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.
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 — Galatians 5:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Galatians 5:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Galatians 5:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 5:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
- Cambridge Bible on Galatians 5:9
- Barnes' Notes on Galatians 5:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
- Sermons on Galatians 5:9
Context — Freedom in Christ
7You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
8Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.
9A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.
10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. 11Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 5:6–7 | Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through 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. |
| 3 | Mark 8:15 | “Watch out!” He cautioned them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod.” |
| 4 | Luke 13:21 | It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” |
| 5 | Luke 12:1 | In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 2 Timothy 2:17 | and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
| 8 | Matthew 23:33 | You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? |
Galatians 5:9 Summary
This verse means that even a small amount of sin or false teaching can have a big impact and spread quickly, like yeast in dough. It's a reminder to be careful about what we allow into our lives and communities, because it can affect everyone, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:6. We need to be mindful of the influence of sin and take steps to root it out, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:21, and instead choose to follow God's teachings and live a life that honors Him, as seen in Romans 6:12-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'a little leaven' mean in Galatians 5:9?
The phrase 'a little leaven' refers to the influence of sin or false teaching, which can spread quickly and corrupt an entire group, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:6, where a little leaven is said to leaven the whole lump.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and its effects?
This verse illustrates how sin, like leaven, can permeate and affect an entire community, as warned in Romans 6:12-14, where sin can reign in our mortal bodies if not checked by the power of God.
What is the significance of the dough in this verse?
The dough represents the community of believers, and the leaven represents the corrupting influence of sin or false teaching, which can spread quickly and affect the entire group, as seen in Matthew 13:33, where leaven is used to illustrate the kingdom of heaven.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives and communities?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the influence of sin and false teaching, and taking steps to root it out, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:21, where we are encouraged to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which sin or false teaching can 'leaven' my own life, and how can I guard against it?
- How can I be a positive influence in my community, rather than allowing the 'leaven' of sin to spread?
- What are some steps I can take to 'purify' myself from the influence of sin, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:21?
- How can I be more mindful of the potential for sin or false teaching to spread in my community, and take action to prevent it?
Gill's Exposition on Galatians 5:9
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. A proverbial expression pretty much in use with the Jews; see 1 Corinthians 5:6, respecting either persons or things; and is in answer to, or prevents an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 5:9
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. A little leaven - the false teaching of the Judaizers. A little legalism, mixed with the Gospel, corrupts its purity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
This is a proverbial expression, which (as others of that nature) is applicable in more cases than one. The apostle made use of it, , to persuade that church to purge their communion, by casting out the incestuous person: he maketh use of it here to persuade them to take heed of admitting any principles of false doctrine, which he compareth to leaven, (as our Saviour does, ,12), and that very fitly, both in regard of the sour and of the diffusive nature of it; the latter of which is here chiefly intended; the truths of God having such dependence one upon another, that he who erreth in any one doctrine of faith, seldom continueth long sound as to other points.
Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Ver. 9. A little leaven] viz. Of false doctrine, Matthew 16:6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
(9) A little leaven . . .—A pregnant expression, which leaves a good deal to the reader to supply. The proverb is true which says that a little leaven leavens the whole mass of dough. And so, in your case, the malcontents may be few, but they will soon ruin the whole Church. It seems decidedly more in accordance with the context to take the “little leaven” as referring rather to a few seceders than to a little bad doctrine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
Verse 9. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.] A proverbial expression, see 1 Corinthians 5:6, very aptly applied to those who receive the smallest tincture of false doctrine, relative to the things essential to salvation, which soon influences the whole conduct, so that the man becomes totally perverted. They might have argued, "It is a small thing, and should not be made a subject of serious controversy, whether we be circumcised or not." Granted, that in itself it is a small matter; but, as every man who is circumcised is a debtor to do the whole law, Galatians 5:3, then your circumcision leads necessarily to your total perversion; as the little portion of leaven, mixed with the batch, soon leavens the whole lump.
Cambridge Bible on Galatians 5:9
9. Leaven is that small portion of fermented dough which is introduced into the fresh lump of dough, and communicates lightness to the whole mass. It is employed figuratively in Scripture to denote the working of both good and bad influences, and is used both of persons and of principles or teaching—comp. Matthew 16:12; Luke 13:21. There is a reference, sometimes tacit, sometimes express (1 Corinthians 5:8), to the typical prohibition of the use of leaven in the law of Moses, Exodus 12:15-20; Exodus 12:34. This verse, which occurs again, 1 Corinthians 5:6, seems to have passed into a proverb. There the Apostle is condemning the toleration of a single act of open immorality in a member of the Church of Christ. It was the concession of a principle, and whether it be followed by other similar acts or not, the standard of Christian morality will be lowered, and a laxity of tone will gradually pervade the spirit, and degrade the practice, of those who are called ‘not unto uncleanness but unto holiness’. Here the warning is against the insidious nature of the false teaching of the Judaizing leaders. The difference between that teaching and ‘the truth of the Gospel’ may appear inconsiderable, and the teachers themselves may be insignificant in numbers or in authority.
But error, once admitted, is a virus which will gradually spread and poison the whole system of doctrine, or the whole spiritual life of the individual or of the Church.
Barnes' Notes on Galatians 5:9
A little leaven ... - This is evidently a proverbial expression; see it explained in the notes at 1 Corinthians 5:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 5:9
9. A little leaven—St. Paul now hints from what quarter this Judaistic persuasion comes.
Sermons on Galatians 5:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Celebrate the Feast by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbola emphasizes the importance of living a life that is true to one's identity as a Christian. He highlights the destructive nature of sin and how it can |
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Missions Fest Sunday by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Caleb from the Bible and encourages the audience to run the race of faith in order to reach the prize. He emphasizes the importance |
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Follow Me by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving the sinner but hating the sin. It challenges the listeners to have a balance in showing compassion without compromise, to follow Jes |
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The Dangers of Self Deception Part 5 - Evil Association by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly through evil associations, urging believers to recognize how their company and lifestyle can corrupt their mor |
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The Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge by Elizabeth Ashbridge | Elizabeth Ashbridge, a woman of strong faith and perseverance, shares her life story of trials and tribulations, including her journey from being a disobedient wife to a devoted Qu |
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It Is but a Little Sin! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive nature of 'little sins,' emphasizing that even minor transgressions can lead to significant spiritual danger. He illustrates how small sin |
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Divine Leaven by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of regeneration, describing it as a divine leaven that permeates the entire soul of a penitent believer at conversion. This princi |