King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:7 in the King James Version says “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sac...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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: is sacrificed: or, is slain”

1 Corinthians 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6

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

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: is sacrificed: or, is slain

8

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. the feast: or, holyday

9

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

Read 1 Corinthians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does Christ's sacrifice as your Passover Lamb motivate you toward holiness?
  2. What 'old leaven' from your former life still needs to be purged out?
  3. Do you live in the reality that you are already 'unleavened' in Christ, or do you strive to become what you already are?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐκκαθάρατε1 of 21

“Purge out”

G1571

to cleanse thoroughly

οὖν2 of 21

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὴν3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παλαιὰν4 of 21

“the old”

G3820

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

ζύμην5 of 21

“leaven”

G2219

ferment (as if boiling up)

ἵνα6 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἦτε7 of 21

“ye may be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

νέον8 of 21

“a new”

G3501

"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate

φύραμα9 of 21

“lump”

G5445

perhaps akin to g5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough

καθώς10 of 21

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἐστε11 of 21

“ye are”

G2075

ye are

ἄζυμοι·12 of 21

“unleavened”

G106

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

καὶ13 of 21

“even”

G2532

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

γὰρ14 of 21

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸ15 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάσχα16 of 21

“passover”

G3957

the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)

ἡμῶν17 of 21

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ὑπὲρ18 of 21

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν19 of 21

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐτύθη20 of 21

“is sacrificed”

G2380

properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s

Χριστός21 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 5:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 1:19-20Ephesians 4:22Colossians 3:5-9Revelation 5:12Exodus 12:5-6Exodus 12:15

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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