King James Version with full narration by Alexander Scourby
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512 words
L
Leaven
CategoryArchaic Word / Theological Metaphor
Modern Equivalentyeast; a fermenting agent; used both positively and negatively in Scripture.
KJV Word TypeNoun / Verb
DefinitionA fermenting agent (yeast) worked through dough to make it rise. In the KJV it carries two distinct meanings: (1) negatively — sin or false doctrine that spreads silently through a community (the leaven of the Pharisees); (2) positively — the quiet, pervasive growth of the Kingdom of God through the world.
Key Verses"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." (Matthew 13:33); "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." (Galatians 5:9)