1 Corinthians 5:7
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:
1 Corinthians 5:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to symbolize sin and impurity in the life of a believer. The act of purging out the old leaven signifies the process of repentance and turning away from sinful ways in order to become a new creation in Christ. Just as unleavened bread is pure and without corruption, believers are called to live lives that are holy and free from the contamination of sin. The reference to Christ as our Passover emphasizes the sacrificial nature of His death on the cross, which effectively cleanses us from our sins and enables us to live in righteousness. As believers partake in communion, they are reminded of Christ's sacrificial love and are encouraged to walk in obedience and purity. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the call for believers to live in holiness and purity.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of this verse from Corinthians is the symbolic significance of leaven. In the Old Testament, leaven is often used as a metaphor for sin and impurity. The act of purging out the old leaven is therefore seen as a call to remove sin from one's life in order to be renewed and transformed. By getting rid of the old leaven, believers are compared to a new lump, representative of being pure and spotless before God. Additionally, the mention of Christ as our Passover sacrificed for us ties in with the Jewish tradition of the Passover feast where a lamb was sacrificed to atone for the sins of the people.
1 Corinthians 5:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our passover also hath been sacrificed, [even] Christ:
World English Bible
Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.
Douay-Rheims
Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ our pasch is sacrificed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Purge out therefore the olde leauen, that ye may be a newe lumpe, as ye are vnleauened: for Christ our Passeouer is sacrificed for vs.