Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Your {G5216} glorying {G2745} is not {G3756} good {G2570}. Know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} a little {G3398} leaven {G2219} leaveneth {G2220} the whole {G3650} lump {G5445}?
Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know the saying, “It takes only a little hametz to leaven a whole batch of dough?”
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
-
James 4:16
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. -
Galatians 5:9
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. -
1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. -
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. -
1 Corinthians 5:2
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. -
1 Corinthians 3:21
¶ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; -
1 Corinthians 4:18
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
This verse from the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians addresses a serious issue within the church community. Paul confronts their attitude regarding sin among them, specifically a case of severe immorality mentioned earlier in the chapter (see 1 Corinthians 5:1).
Context
The Corinthian church, despite having spiritual gifts, was struggling with various issues, including division, pride, and tolerance of sin. In chapter 5, Paul specifically tackles a case of incestuous relationship that was not only present but seemingly tolerated, or even ignored, by the congregation. Paul's statement, "Your glorying is not good," likely refers to their pride or complacency in their spiritual status, which blinded them to the need for dealing with this grave sin. Instead of grieving over the sin, they were boasting in other things.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word "leaven" translates the Greek word zymē (ζύμη). In Jewish culture and the New Testament, leaven is often used metaphorically to represent a corrupting influence, whether it be sin, wickedness, or false teaching (as also seen in Galatians 5:9). The phrase "leaveneth the whole lump" illustrates how a small amount of this corrupting agent can quickly permeate and change the entire batch of dough.
Reflection and Application
This verse is a timeless reminder for individuals and churches alike about the serious consequences of tolerating sin. Just as a little leaven affects the whole lump, allowing sin (whether individual or corporate) to go unchecked can undermine the spiritual vitality and witness of the entire community. It calls believers to vigilance, humility, and a commitment to addressing sin according to biblical principles, ensuring that the church remains a pure and effective witness for Christ (see the call to purge out the old leaven in the very next verse). True spiritual health requires confronting sin with seriousness and grace.