Regulated for feasts; used as a symbol

Leaven

Leaven is removed for Passover and used as an image of spreading influence.

Biblical principle← Food Guide

Where it appears in Scripture

Exodus 12:15; Matthew 13:33; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.

What Scripture says

Israel removed leaven during the feast of unleavened bread.
Leaven pictures how a small influence spreads, for good or ill.

What Scripture does NOT say

Yeast is nowhere declared unhealthy.

New Testament context

Jesus uses leaven positively for the kingdom's hidden growth and negatively for corrupting influence. Paul connects unleavened sincerity to Christ our Passover.

Common misconceptions

"Leaven always symbolizes sin." Jesus also uses it positively for the kingdom.
"Unleavened bread is always healthier." The feast's meaning is remembrance, not a health comparison.