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Bible Dictionaries
Leaven

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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(Latin: levare, to raise)

Any substance acting or used to produce fermentation as in dough or liquids; anything which makes a general assimilating change in a mass or aggregate, or which modifies or tempers the whole. In the great solemnity of the Passover the Jews were bidden to eat unleavened bread (Exodus 12,13, 34; Numbers 12; Deuteronomy 16). This was a symbol of sinlessness. Saint Paul applies this symbolism to the state of righteousness in the Christian code (1 Corinthians 5); Our Lord employs leaven as a symbol of sin (Matthew 16; Mark 8); and the imperceptible penetrating efficacy of the Gospel of Christ is compared to leaven (Matthew 13; Luke 13).

Bibliography Information
Entry for 'Leaven'. 1910 New Catholic Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ncd/​l/leaven.html. 1910.
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