King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:8 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unl... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 5:8 · KJV


Context

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:

10

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore let us keep the feast (ὥστε ἑορτάζωμεν)—Paul extends the Passover imagery to the Christian life as an ongoing festival. The present subjunctive heortazomen suggests continuous celebration. The entire Christian life is a feast of deliverance from sin's slavery, requiring ongoing vigilance against sin's re-entry. Not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickednesskakia ("malice") is ill will or viciousness; poneria ("wickedness") is active evil or depravity.

But with the unleavened bread of sincerity and trutheilikrineia ("sincerity") means purity, unmixed motives, transparency that withstands scrutiny (literally "judged by sunlight"). Aletheia ("truth") is reality, genuineness, integrity. Christian celebration isn't mere ritual but life characterized by moral purity and truthfulness. The church's holiness must be internal (sincerity) and external (truth), rejecting both hidden corruption and public compromise. This is gospel-shaped living—transformed by Christ's sacrifice into communities of authentic holiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed Passover, lasting seven days (Ex. 12:15-20). Leaven symbolized Egypt's corruption from which Israel was delivered. For Paul, the Christian life is a perpetual feast celebrating deliverance from sin through Christ, requiring ongoing separation from moral corruption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you view your entire Christian life as a celebration of deliverance, not grim duty?
  2. Where do malice and wickedness still 'leaven' your attitudes or relationships?
  3. What does sincerity (unmixed motives) and truth (integrity) look like practically in your daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὥστε1 of 18

Therefore

G5620

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

ἑορτάζωμεν2 of 18

let us keep the feast

G1858

to observe a festival

μὴ3 of 18

not

G3361

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

ἐν4 of 18

with

G1722

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

ζύμῃ5 of 18

leaven

G2219

ferment (as if boiling up)

παλαιᾷ6 of 18

old

G3820

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

μηδὲ7 of 18

neither

G3366

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

ἐν8 of 18

with

G1722

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

ζύμῃ9 of 18

leaven

G2219

ferment (as if boiling up)

κακίας10 of 18

of malice

G2549

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

καὶ11 of 18

and

G2532

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

πονηρίας12 of 18

wickedness

G4189

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

ἀλλ'13 of 18

but

G235

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

ἐν14 of 18

with

G1722

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

ἀζύμοις15 of 18

the unleavened

G106

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

εἰλικρινείας16 of 18

bread of sincerity

G1505

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

καὶ17 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἀληθείας18 of 18

truth

G225

truth


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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study