Galatians 5:9
What does Galatians 5:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:9 means
Paul uses the proverb of leaven spreading through a whole lump of dough to warn that small, tolerated errors can pervade and spoil an entire church. The Judaizers’ teaching may seem a minor addition—just one ceremony—but in reality it alters the whole gospel dough. The imagery urges decisiveness: do not let false doctrine remain, lest it reframe the community’s faith and practice. It also reminds that individuals’ beliefs affect the body. The purity of the gospel requires vigilance and gentle but firm correction. Tolerating “a little” distortion risks losing the substance of grace altogether.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A little leaven makes a change in all the mass.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862a little leaven the whole lump doth leaven;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A little leaven corrupteth the whole lump.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Context
After stating that the current persuasion is not from God (v.8), Paul illustrates its effect with the leaven image. This prepares the way for verse 10, where he expresses confidence that the Galatians will not ultimately adopt the false view, while warning that the agitator will face judgment. The flow moves from diagnosis (hindered, not from God, spreading) to assurance and accountability. These dynamics set up Paul’s self-defense in verse 11 and his strong wish in verse 12 regarding those unsettling the believers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 2:17
and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus;
- Matthew 23:33
Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.
- Matthew 16:6
And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- 1 Corinthians 5:6
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
- Mark 8:15
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.
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