1 Corinthians 5:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

Therefore

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἑορτάζωμεν

G1858

let us keep the feast

to observe a festival

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ζύμῃ

G2219

leaven

ferment (as if boiling up)

παλαιᾷ

G3820

old

antique, i.e., not recent, worn out

μηδὲ

G3366

neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ζύμῃ

G2219

leaven

ferment (as if boiling up)

#10

κακίας

G2549

of malice

badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

πονηρίας

G4189

wickedness

depravity, i.e., (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins

#13

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#14

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

ἀζύμοις

G106

the unleavened

unleavened, i.e., (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by implication) the passover week

#16

εἰλικρινείας

G1505

bread of sincerity

clearness, i.e., (by implication) purity (figuratively)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἀληθείας

G225

truth

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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