Leaven

A dough for the production of baked goods that is usually kept in fermentation by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The fermentation process is stopped when leaven is exposed to the heat of fire. In the Bible, leaven is an image of evil that constantly affects the environment (cf. Mt 13:33).  Only judgment (= fire/heat) can stop this effect.

Practical consequence for the believer:

• Make God's judgment of evil your own judgment
• Consistently distance yourself from evil.