“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
Summary: How important is it that we keep our eyes on Jesus? Allowing any distraction to enter our minds is like throwing a handful of mud in the swimming pool.
The phrase, “non-sequitur,” is Latin for “it does not follow.” After talking about persuasion and running a good race, pulling out a quote about yeast and dough seems like a non-sequitur. But is it?
It turns out that this is one of those verses where it pays to look back at the original Greek text. A strict word-for-word translation from the Greek reads:
“Leaven leavens the whole lump of dough” *
The implication of the unvarnished translation is different than the NIV’s rendering. The NIV has us focus on the process of the yeast working to touch every part of the dough. The reverse interlinear paints a picture of the completed effect of the yeast (leaven) in the dough.
Earlier, Paul said, “… every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law” (Gal 5:3).
Then Paul writes, “You were running a good race.” In a sense, he is saying you were dough without yeast. (We might even take the example a bit further and say that without yeast, there is nothing to give you an inflated ego.)
When we run a race, we don’t have to let someone “cut in” on us. If another runner threatens to pass us and “cut in,” we can run faster, block the runner, or, at the very least, ignore them. As soon as we allow the one who cuts in to distract us, the damage is done. Leaven has entered the dough.
The issue isn’t how much time it takes for the leaven to leaven the whole batch of dough or how much work it takes to work the leaven through. The thing to understand about leaven is that even if you don’t knead the dough, leaven still finds its way into the whole batch. Once in the batch of dough, you can’t stop it.
Let’s use a different example.
Imagine you have a jar of pure water on the table in front of you. In your hand is an ink dropper full of black India ink. You put one drop of ink into the water. What happens?
Does the ink droplet stay together?
No.
It immediately disburses into the water and ultimately colors all the water in the beaker. Leaven works the same way, only slower. False teaching has the same effect on our faith in Jesus.
Application: Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Food for Thought: How does today’s verse relate to the Feast of Unleavened Bread? (Exodus 12: 17-20)
- “Galatians 5 (NIV) – A little yeast works through.” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 18 Jun, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/gal/5/9/t_conc_1096009.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows the observance of Passover. Passover begins at twilight on the 14th day of the first month, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th day of the first month and lasts for seven days.
During both observances, unleavened bread is used. I don’t like the word “used” because I think it diminishes the significance. Unleavened bread commemorates how God delivered the Israelites from bondage, and represents a separation from the world. Christ did the same for us, and asks the same from us.
Paul uses the reference to yeast, and unleavened bread, because mixing the law, or legalistic salvation, with Christ’s sacrifice is antagonistic to Christ. As you (Jeff) stated, the addition will eventually seep it’s way into the whole batch.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a time to remember, reflect, and praise God for what He has done. In Christ, we are also able to remember, reflect, and praise God for what He has done. In that remembrance and praise, we fortify the understanding that we are set apart.
Chris,
Nicely summarized! I like your distinction between “used” and “commemorate.” There is a definite difference.
Yeast is often associated with sin. In the current Seder meal practice that celebrates Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the father of the house takes great measure to get rid of any leaven. He will even sweep it from window sills and look in every nook and cranny to remove leaven. In other words, take anything that could defile seriously and take action to remove it.
Of course, the ultimate, perfect cure to sin – the true removal of sin – comes through Jesus. Once again it is not our work that removes sin, but Jesus’ work. 1 John 1: 9; Colossians 2: 13 – 15.
Matthew 26: 27 – 28: Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the b covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Rich,
Thank you for pointing out that yeast is often associated with sin. That is true. I would add it is also sometimes associated with puns (It’s the ‘yeast’ I can do!). 🙂
I didn’t know about the father of the house taking such pains to sweep the house clean of leaven. That is a beautiful analogy of how our Father in heaven cleans house when he sends his Spirit to live in us!
How does today’s verse relate to the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
Genesis 46:1-47:12, The whole family of Israel, numbering 70 people were led to move into Egypt.
Exodus 12:40, Israel lived in Egypt four hundred and thirty years. It is believed they were forced to become slaves to the Egyptians for the last 130 years.
Exodus 1:7, God had ordained His people would multiply greatly while in Egypt.
Exodus 12:17, God commands they observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as He freed Israel from bondage in Egypt.
Exodus12:37-38, The Israelites left Egypt. About six hundred thousand men walking, not including the women and children and many other people who were not Israelites went with them.
The Feast of UnLeavened Bread is a reminder of our freedom from slavery, to the leader of this world and its system, as we choose to walk in the freedom which can only come through Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Ron!
As we get closer to the 4th of July, it is a wonderful reminder to know that true freedom only comes from knowing the Son of God, Jesus.
We had great coverage by the time I joined in, so it occurred to me to take another view of the same truth. I enjoy looking at how God views and orchestrates events in this world. We see Him in His creations, events, and lives of believers around us.
Thanks for a wonderful day Jeff and company!
Ron
🙂