1 Corinthians 5:8

KJV

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G5620} let us keep the feast {G1858}, not {G3361} with {G1722} old {G3820} leaven {G2219}, neither {G3366} with {G1722} the leaven {G2219} of malice {G2549} and {G2532} wickedness {G4189}; but {G235} with {G1722} the unleavened {G106} bread of sincerity {G1505} and {G2532} truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So let us celebrate the Seder not with leftover hametz, the hametz of wickedness and evil, but with the matzah of purity and truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore 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.

American Standard Version

wherefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 5:8, the Apostle Paul issues a powerful exhortation to the Corinthian believers, urging them to live a life of continuous spiritual purity. Building on the metaphor of leaven, which represents corrupting sin, he calls them to purge "old leaven," specifically "malice and wickedness," from their community and individual lives. Instead, they are to embrace a new way of living, characterized by the "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth," reflecting the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and their identity as a new creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of Paul's urgent and stern rebuke to the Corinthian church concerning a severe moral transgression within their midst: a man living incestuously with his stepmother ([1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Incest in the Church")). Paul expresses shock not only at the sin itself but also at the church's arrogant complacency and failure to mourn or take disciplinary action. He uses the metaphor of leaven, common in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, to illustrate how a small amount of sin can corrupt the entire body. In [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6 - A Little Leaven") he warns, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." This leads directly to the declaration in [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"), "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." Verse 8, therefore, is the logical and theological conclusion, transforming the Passover imagery into a command for ongoing ethical conduct for the Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of leaven and unleavened bread is deeply rooted in Jewish Passover traditions. Before the Passover feast, Jewish households meticulously searched for and removed every scrap of leaven from their homes, symbolizing the purging of sin and the hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20). This annual ritual of cleansing was a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and the need for purity. The Corinthians, a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, would have understood this symbolism. Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its moral laxity and diverse religious practices. This environment presented significant challenges to Christian purity, making Paul's strong emphasis on ethical conduct and spiritual cleansing particularly pertinent. The "feast" Paul refers to is not a literal annual event but a continuous spiritual reality, drawing on the Passover's significance but reinterpreting it in light of Christ's sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this chapter, culminating in [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth"), is **Christian Purity and Holiness**. Paul emphasizes that believers, having been redeemed by Christ, are called to a new standard of moral conduct that reflects their "unleavened" status in Christ. This purity is not merely individual but **Corporate Responsibility**, as the sin of one member can corrupt the entire church body, much like leaven spreads through dough. The concept of **Christ as the Passover Lamb** ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")) is foundational, establishing the theological basis for the call to purity. The verse also introduces the virtues of **Sincerity and Truth** as the defining characteristics of this new, purified life, contrasting them sharply with "malice and wickedness." This highlights the internal disposition and external behavior required of those who participate in the "feast" of Christ's redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **leaven (Greek, _zýmē'_):** This term, derived from a word meaning "to boil up" or "ferment," refers to yeast or sourdough starter. In the New Testament, as seen in [Matthew 16:6](/matthew/16-6 "Matthew 16:6 - Beware of the Leaven"), [Mark 8:15](/mark/8-15 "Mark 8:15 - Leaven of the Pharisees"), and [Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - Leaven of the Pharisees"), it consistently serves as a metaphor for a corrupting influence—whether sin, false doctrine, or hypocrisy—that spreads subtly but pervasively throughout a group or individual.
* **unleavened (Greek, _ázymos'_):** This word, formed from a negative particle and "leaven," literally means "without leaven." In its figurative sense, it denotes "uncorrupted" or "pure." The term directly references the bread eaten during the Jewish Passover, which was made without yeast to symbolize purity and the haste of the Exodus from Egypt. Paul uses it here to describe the state of believers who are, by virtue of Christ's sacrifice, inherently pure and thus called to live out that purity.
* **sincerity (Greek, _eilikríneia'_):** This term signifies "clearness" or "purity," implying freedom from pretense, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. It speaks to an unadulterated, genuine character. The word suggests something that has been tested by sunlight and found to be pure, without blemish or impurity. For Paul, it represents the authentic, transparent integrity that should characterize a Christian's inner disposition and outward conduct.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This word denotes reality, integrity, and conformity to fact. In a theological sense, it refers to divine revelation, the reality of God's character, and the Gospel message itself. For believers, living in "truth" means aligning one's life with God's revealed will and the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore let us keep the feast":** Paul transitions from the theological declaration of Christ as our Passover Lamb to a practical command. The "feast" is not an annual ritual but a continuous spiritual celebration of Christ's redemptive work. It implies a life lived in constant remembrance and appropriation of His sacrifice, demanding ongoing holiness.
* **"not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness":** This is a negative command, specifying what must be avoided. "Old leaven" refers to the former way of life, characterized by sin and moral corruption, which should be purged. Paul then explicitly defines this "leaven" as "malice" (kakía, depravity, ill-will) and "wickedness" (ponēría, active evil, mischief, depravity). These terms encompass both internal sinful attitudes and external sinful actions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the required cleansing.
* **"but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth":** This is the positive command, indicating the new standard of living. In stark contrast to the corrupting leaven, believers are to live with "unleavened bread," which symbolizes purity. This purity is further defined by "sincerity" (eilikríneia), meaning genuine, unhypocritical faith and conduct, and "truth" (alḗtheia), signifying integrity, honesty, and conformity to God's revealed will. These virtues are the spiritual ingredients of the Christian life, reflecting a transformed character.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **metaphors** in [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth") to convey his message. The central metaphor is that of **leaven** (`zymē`), which represents sin and its insidious, pervasive nature. Just as a small amount of yeast can cause an entire batch of dough to rise, so too can a single sin or a complacent attitude toward sin corrupt an entire community. Conversely, **unleavened bread** (`ázymos`) serves as a metaphor for purity, integrity, and the new life in Christ, drawing on its significance in the Passover tradition. The phrase "keep the feast" is also a **metaphorical extension**, transforming the historical Passover celebration into a continuous spiritual reality for believers. Furthermore, Paul uses **antithesis** or **juxtaposition** by sharply contrasting "old leaven" and "the leaven of malice and wickedness" with "the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth." This creates a vivid dichotomy between the old, sinful way of life and the new, righteous path demanded by the Gospel, emphasizing the clear choice believers must make.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth") is deeply rooted in the broader biblical theology of holiness and covenant faithfulness. Just as ancient Israel was called to be a holy nation set apart for God, so too is the church, as the new covenant community, called to reflect God's character. The purging of leaven is not merely an act of discipline but an expression of the believer's new identity in Christ, who has already purified them through His sacrifice. This ongoing "feast" of Christian living is a demonstration of our participation in Christ's death and resurrection, where the old self is crucified and the new self, created in righteousness and holiness, is put on. It underscores the truth that salvation is not just a one-time event but a transformative process that demands continuous ethical living, marked by genuine integrity and adherence to divine truth.

* [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")
* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New")
* [Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth") offers a timeless and profound challenge for believers today. It calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to identify and actively remove any "leaven" of sin from our lives and communities. This isn't just about avoiding overt acts of wickedness, but also addressing the subtle, pervasive influences of "malice" (ill-will, negativity, bitterness) and "wickedness" (active depravity, harmful intentions) that can corrupt our hearts and relationships. The call to "keep the feast" with "sincerity and truth" means cultivating an authentic, transparent faith that is consistent in private and public. It demands integrity in our words and actions, a commitment to living according to God's revealed truth, and a genuine love for others that is free from hypocrisy or pretense. This verse reminds us that our redemption in Christ is not a license for complacency but a powerful impetus for continuous growth in holiness, transforming us into a community that truly reflects the purity and character of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "old leaven" (attitudes, habits, hidden sins) might I need to purge from my personal life to live more fully in sincerity and truth?**
* **How might "malice and wickedness" subtly manifest in my thoughts, words, or actions, and how can I actively replace them with Christ-like virtues?**
* **In what ways can my church community more effectively "keep the feast" with unleavened sincerity and truth, addressing sin and fostering genuine purity?**
* **How does understanding Christ as "our Passover" motivate me to pursue a life of ongoing holiness and integrity?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "keep the feast"?**

Answer: Paul's instruction to "keep the feast" in [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth") is a powerful reinterpretation of the Jewish Passover. While the Passover was an annual celebration commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, Paul transforms it into a continuous spiritual reality for Christians. Because "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")), believers are now perpetually living in the reality of His redemptive work. Therefore, "keeping the feast" means living an ongoing life of holiness, purity, and integrity, constantly remembering and reflecting the sacrifice of Christ. It's not about a ritualistic observance but a lifestyle of spiritual celebration, free from the "leaven" of sin.

**Why does Paul use the metaphor of "leaven" for sin?**

Answer: The metaphor of "leaven" (yeast) for sin is deeply rooted in both Jewish tradition and its inherent properties. Leaven, even in small quantities, rapidly ferments and permeates an entire batch of dough, causing it to rise. Similarly, sin, even a seemingly small or hidden transgression, has a corrupting and pervasive influence that can spread throughout an individual's life or an entire community. Paul uses this vivid imagery in [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6 - A Little Leaven") to warn the Corinthians that their tolerance of the incestuous man's sin was like allowing leaven to contaminate the whole church. The call to purge "old leaven" and "the leaven of malice and wickedness" ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth")) is a call for thorough spiritual cleansing, removing all corrupting influences from their midst.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Feast of Sincerity and Truth") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the very embodiment of "unleavened bread" – perfect purity and truth. Paul explicitly states in the preceding verse, "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")), establishing Jesus as the true and ultimate Passover Lamb whose sinless sacrifice cleanses us from all defilement. He is the one "who knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")) and in whom "is no darkness at all" ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")). Therefore, our ability to "keep the feast" with "sincerity and truth" is not based on our own moral efforts but on our union with Christ. As believers, we are declared "unleavened" in Him, meaning we are already made pure and holy in God's sight through His atoning work ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ")). The ongoing command to purge "old leaven" and live in purity is a call to practically manifest the spiritual reality that has already been accomplished in us by Christ, allowing His transformative power to conform us to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). Our "sincerity and truth" are not merely human virtues but reflections of the very character of Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:1

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Exodus 12:15

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Deuteronomy 16:3

Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, [even] the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Mark 8:15

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and [of] the leaven of Herod.

Matthew 16:6

Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.