### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **śᵉʼôr**, represented by `{{H7603}}`, refers to **leaven**. Derived from a root word meaning to swell by fermentation, it specifically denotes barm or a yeast-cake used as a fermenting agent. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, consistently within contexts of religious observance and purification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7603}}` is exclusively mentioned in commands related to removing it from Israelite life during specific sacred times. During the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, the people were commanded to "put away **leaven** out of your houses" [[Exodus 12:15]]. This prohibition was absolute, stating that no **leaven** should be found in their houses [[Exodus 12:19]] or even seen within their territory ([[Exodus 13:7]], [[Deuteronomy 16:4]]). Furthermore, it was forbidden from being used in any meat offering brought to the LORD that was made by fire [[Leviticus 2:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of leaven and its opposite:
* `{{H2557}}` **châmêts**: This word for **leaven** or **leavened (bread)** describes the resulting fermented product. It is often used alongside `{{H7603}}`, such as in the command that anyone who eats **leavened bread** during the designated seven days will be cut off from Israel [[Exodus 12:15]].
* `{{H2556}}` **châmêts**: A primitive root meaning **to be pungent** or **leavened**. It describes the state of dough after the leavening agent has acted upon it, as seen in the description of the dough the Israelites brought from Egypt, noting "it was not **leavened**" [[Exodus 12:39]].
* `{{H4682}}` **matstsâh**: This is the direct counterpart to leavened items, meaning **unleavened (bread, cake), without leaven**. Eating this was commanded for seven days, in direct opposition to the prohibition of `{{H7603}}` and `{{H2557}}` [[Exodus 12:15]].
* `{{H7673}}` **shâbath**: A verb meaning **to repose, desist**, or **put away**. It is used to give the command for what to do with leaven, instructing the Israelites to **put away** `{{H7673}}` leaven `{{H7603}}` from their homes on the first day of the feast [[Exodus 12:15]].
### Theological Significance
The scriptural treatment of `{{H7603}}` highlights its role as a symbol of that which must be purged.
* **Ritual Purity:** The absolute prohibition of **leaven** from offerings made by fire to the LORD establishes it as an element unfit for holy sacrifice, in contrast to the unleavened cakes which were acceptable [[Leviticus 2:11]].
* **Thorough Separation:** The commands are strict and comprehensive, requiring not just avoidance but active removal. Leaven was not to be eaten, found in the home, or even seen in the land, underscoring a theme of complete separation from its influence during sacred periods ([[Exodus 12:19]], [[Deuteronomy 16:4]]).
* **National Remembrance:** The removal of **leaven** is directly tied to the commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt, an event that occurred in such haste that there was no time for the people's dough to become leavened [[Exodus 12:39]]. The observance served as a physical reminder of God's deliverance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7603}}` **śᵉʼôr** functions as a specific and powerful term within Old Testament law. While appearing infrequently, its meaning is significant. It represents a fermenting agent that was to be completely removed from Israelite dwellings and worship during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Its absence was a key component of ritual purity and a memorial to the nation's hurried redemption from Egypt.
TRV