5:9 What is the "leaven" Paul refers to here?
5:9 What is the "leaven" Paul refers to here?
The leaven Paul refers to here symbolizes the harmful effects of the false doctrines of the legalistic Judaizers.
Paul called it a "persuasion" because it exerted a powerful and moving influence on the Galatians, hindering them from obeying the truth of God (cp Ga 5:6-8).
Leaven in the New Testament is symbolic of any evil influence in the church which, if allowed to remain, can corrupt the whole body of believers (cp 1Cor 5:1-8). See also comments on Mt 13:33, 1Cor 5:6-8.