In that case please explain to me Jesus' use of the word Leaven in Matthew 16:6 (blueletterbible.org) I can only imagine that the Pharisees were puffing up the word of God in the same way that yeast causes bread to rise but there seems to be an ongoing theme through the bible on that subject just like the lamp-stand thing that I have yet to figure out.
While the specific term in the Greek (ζύμης) only appeared a handful of times, mostly in relation to the Pharisees, the word is the same in structure as used by Paul in Galatians 5:9 (ζύμῃ), which refers to the “leaven” or “inflation” of the judaizers, adding to the message of salvation through faith in Christ crucified, and only this.
Christ speaks of Herod and the Pharisees who artificially inflated the Mosaic Law through additional customs and rituals for advancing a false secular Kingdom.
Paul refers to the fact we are no longer obliged to be circumcised or to uphold the whole Law, and that if we take on ritual circumcision, embracing the customs and traditions (man made) of the judaizers, we put ourselves back under the yoke of the law in totality, rather than the absolute freedom from it provided by Christ’s death for our sin. He says, “A little leaven (ζύμῃ) leavens the whole lump.” If we seek to be justified by the Law, a little addendum to the scripture and salvation plan God set for us, it severs us from Christ before we even begin (Gal 5:4).
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