1 Corinthians 5:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 5:7
7 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:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 5 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, redemption. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 5:7
7 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:
Analysis
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump—the imperative ekkatharate ("purge out, cleanse thoroughly") demands decisive action. Old leaven represents the former life of sin; new lump is the church's new identity in Christ. As ye are unleavened (καθώς ἐστε ἄζυμοι)—positionally, believers are already unleavened, sanctified in Christ. Paul calls them to live out their identity, making practice match position.
For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us (καὶ γὰρ τὸ πάσχα ἡμῶν ἐτύθη Χριστός)—this is Paul's Passover typology. The Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from judgment (Ex. 12); Christ, our Passover Lamb, was sacrificed to deliver us from sin's penalty (John 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). Just as Israel removed leaven after Passover, the church must remove sin after Christ's sacrifice. The verb ethythe ("was sacrificed") points to the completed work of the cross. Because Christ has been sacrificed, we live as unleavened bread—pure, set apart, holy.
Historical Context
The Passover (Pesach) commemorated Israel's exodus from Egypt. On Nisan 14, each household sacrificed an unblemished lamb; its blood on doorposts protected them from the death angel. For seven days following, only unleavened bread was eaten, symbolizing hasty departure and separation from Egypt's corruption. Paul sees Christ's crucifixion as the ultimate Passover sacrifice.
Reflection
- How does Christ's sacrifice as your Passover Lamb motivate you toward holiness?
- What 'old leaven' from your former life still needs to be purged out?
- Do you live in the reality that you are already 'unleavened' in Christ, or do you strive to become what you already are?
Word Studies
- Messiah: Χριστός (Christos) G5547 - Christ, Anointed One
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 5:13, 10:17, Exodus 12:15, Mark 14:12, John 1:29, 1:36