1 Corinthians 5:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 5:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 5:6 warns the Corinthian church that their pride or boasting about their situation is not good, using the image of leaven (yeast) to show how even a small amount of something bad can affect the whole group. Paul is telling them that just as a little leaven spreads through a whole batch of dough, tolerating even a little wrongdoing can influence the entire community.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing their attitude about a serious moral problem in their church. Instead of being humble or concerned, some in the church were proud or dismissive about it. By mentioning leaven, Paul uses a familiar picture from daily life to show how unchecked issues can grow and affect everyone, urging the church to take these matters seriously.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 5:6

• καύχημα (kauchēma; "glorying"): This word means boasting or pride. Paul is pointing out that their attitude of self-satisfaction is misplaced given the situation.
• ζύμη (zumē; "leaven"): In Greek, this refers to yeast or fermenting agent. Leaven is often used in the Bible as a symbol for influence, usually negative, that spreads quietly but thoroughly.
• φύραμα (phurama; "lump"): This word means a batch of dough. The image is of something small (leaven) affecting the whole, showing how one person's sin or a small problem can impact the entire group.

Why 1 Corinthians 5:6 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that small problems or sins can be ignored without consequence; Paul insists that even a little wrong can have a big effect on the whole church.
• The use of leaven as an image connects to other biblical teachings about influence, both good and bad, helping readers see the importance of addressing issues early.
• The verse sets up Paul's later instructions about discipline and purity in the church, showing why the community's response to wrongdoing matters for everyone.