What does 1 Corinthians 5:6 mean?

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 1 Corinthians 5:6

Explanation

1 Corinthians 5:6 is a warning against complacency and the danger of tolerating sin within the Christian community. Here, Paul uses the metaphor of yeast (leaven) to illustrate how a small amount of sin, if tolerated and left unchecked, can permeate and corrupt the entire church body. Paul is likely referencing the common Jewish understanding of leaven as a symbol of corruption and sin, particularly pertinent since leaven was removed from homes during the Passover to symbolize purity. The call is for the church in Corinth to recognize the seriousness of sin within their midst and take action to preserve the purity of their community.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, a diverse and cosmopolitan city known for its wealth, religious pluralism, and moral laxity. The early Christian community there faced unique challenges, including internal divisions, moral scandals, and the influence of pagan beliefs and practices. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a specific case of sexual immorality that had been tolerated by the church, showing deep concern for the integrity and testimony of the congregation.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints approach this verse emphasizing various aspects:

• From a holiness perspective, it underscores the importance of church purity and the need for church discipline.
• Reformed theologians might focus on the doctrine of total depravity, suggesting that sin affects all parts of a person (and by extension, a community) and thus must be vigilantly guarded against.
• Liberation theology might interpret this call for purity as a mandate for social justice, purging systemic sin and evils in the community.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse serves as a call for individual believers and congregations to:

• Examine and address personal and communal sins promptly and earnestly.
• Foster accountability within Christian communities.
• Understand the gravity of sin’s influence and guard against becoming desensitized or tolerant of it.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:9: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”
• Matthew 16:6: “Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
• Exodus 12:15: “Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses…”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key word is “ζύμη” (zymē), often translated as “leaven” or “yeast.” In the context of the verse, zymē symbolizes a pervasive influence, generally negative, indicating how a small amount of corrupting agent can spread through a medium.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

There is a parallel in Judaism’s Passover, where leaven is removed from homes, symbolizing the eradication of sin and corruption. This practice echoes the idea of purging evil to maintain community purity. In broader religious traditions, similar concepts exist where a small error or falsity is seen as being able to corrupt spiritual truth or practice, warranting vigilance.

Scientific Perspectives

Science acknowledges that yeast, a fungus, causes fermentation, transforming substances and causing them to expand. This property of yeast provides a fitting analogy for how sin can permeate and ‘expand’ within a community, altering its spiritual ‘composition’ akin to yeast’s effect on a host substance.

Commentaries

Many commentators agree on the seriousness with which Paul addresses the issue of sin in the church. Matthew Henry, for example, emphasizes that pride and boasting about liberty and tolerance can be dangerous if it leads to compromising moral standards. Other scholars highlight Paul’s use of the metaphor to stress the urgency and necessity of corrective action within the community to stem the spread of sin.