1 Corinthians 5:6

Authorized King James Version

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐκ
is not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
καλὸν
good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#3
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
καύχημα
glorying
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
#5
ὑμῶν
Your
of (from or concerning) you
#6
οὐκ
is not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
οἴδατε
Know ye
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#9
μικρὰ
a little
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
#10
ζύμη
leaven
ferment (as if boiling up)
#11
ὅλον
the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#12
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
φύραμα
lump
perhaps akin to g5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough
#14
ζυμοῖ
leaveneth
to cause to ferment

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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