Passover is one of the most significant High Holy Days for Hebrew Israelites, as it is a direct commandment from YAHUAH and a reminder of His mighty deliverance of our ancestors from bondage in Egypt. But Passover is not just about the meal—it also comes with a specific instruction: to remove all leaven from our homes and to eat unleavened bread for seven days.
But what exactly is leaven? Why does YAHUAH command us to remove it? And how do we properly cleanse our homes and lives of leaven to observe Passover in obedience to His word?
This article will provide a deep, biblical understanding of what leaven represents, how to identify and remove it, and the spiritual significance behind this practice. We will explore key scriptures that explain why leaven is purged during Passover and how it relates to our walk with YAHUAH and Yahushua Ha’Mashiach.
Let’s get started by understanding the biblical foundation of leaven and its importance in keeping Passover.
(See our book, The Chosen Seed: Predestination)
What Is Leaven According to Scripture?
Leaven, known as “chametz” in Hebrew, refers to any substance that causes dough to rise, such as yeast or fermenting agents. In modern terms, this includes bread, cakes, biscuits, and anything made with yeast, baking powder, or baking soda.
The Biblical Command to Remove Leaven
YAHUAH commands us in Exodus 12:15:
“Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.”
This is a serious commandment—failing to remove leaven can result in being cut off from Israel! This shows us that leaven has deeper meaning beyond just physical bread.
Again, in Exodus 12:19-20, we read:
“Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.”
The removal of leaven is a command for all Israelites, no matter where we live. This isn’t just about avoiding bread—it’s about complete obedience to YAHUAH’s instructions and understanding the spiritual meaning behind leaven.
(See our book, The Original Bible Diet: What Is the Bible Diet and Why Is Understanding Kashrut So Important to Kosher Eating?)
The Spiritual Meaning of Leaven in Scripture
Leaven Represents Sin and Corruption
In the Scriptures, leaven is often used as a symbol of sin, pride, and false doctrine. Just as a small amount of yeast can make an entire loaf rise, sin—when left unchecked—can spread and corrupt a person or even an entire community.
Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8:
“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Ha’Mashiach our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Yahushua also warns about leaven in a spiritual sense when He says in Matthew 16:6:
“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
Here, Yahushua was not talking about bread but about the false teachings and hypocrisy of the religious leaders.
When we remove leaven during Passover, it is a physical act with spiritual significance. It reminds us to examine our hearts, remove sin from our lives, and walk in sincerity and truth before YAHUAH.
(See our book, The Chosen Seed: Predestination)
How to Identify and Remove Leaven from Your Home
What Foods Contain Leaven?
According to Scripture, leavened foods include anything that has yeast, baking powder, or other rising agents. Some common examples include:
Bread
Cakes
Biscuits
Crackers
Pasta (if made with yeast or leavening agents)
Beer and fermented drinks
During Passover, all of these must be removed from our homes.
Steps to Remove Leaven from Your Home
Read the Ingredients on Every Package – Leaven can be hidden in processed foods. Check ingredient labels for words like “yeast,” “baking powder,” “baking soda,” or “leavening.”
Clean Your Kitchen Thoroughly – Crumbs of leavened bread can be hiding in toasters, countertops, or even under appliances. Sweep, vacuum, and wipe down all surfaces.
Remove Leaven from Your Possession – The commandment says not to have leaven “in your houses.” This means you cannot just store it away—you must get rid of it completely. Some choose to burn it, while others discard it outside their homes.
Replace Leavened Foods with Unleavened Options – During Passover, we eat unleavened bread (matzah) as a symbol of our obedience and purification.
(See our book, The Original Bible Diet: What Is the Bible Diet and Why Is Understanding Kashrut So Important to Kosher Eating?)
Why Eating Unleavened Bread is Important
The Command to Eat Unleavened Bread
Leavened bread is removed, but unleavened bread (matzah) is commanded to be eaten. Exodus 12:17 states:
“And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever.”
Unleavened bread is a reminder of our ancestors’ haste in leaving Egypt—they had no time to let their bread rise. But beyond that, it symbolizes humility, purity, and our commitment to walking righteously before YAHUAH.
(See our book, Passover: Mysteries Revealed)
The Lasting Importance of Removing Leaven
The process of removing leaven from our homes and our lives is not just about following a rule—it is about preparing our hearts and souls for a deeper relationship with YAHUAH. Each year, as we prepare for Passover, we should view it as an opportunity to cleanse ourselves spiritually, just as we cleanse our homes physically.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:9:
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”
This means that small compromises in our spiritual walk—whether in sin, false doctrine, or worldly distractions—can grow and corrupt our relationship with YAHUAH. By taking the act of removing leaven seriously, we are reaffirming our commitment to holiness and obedience.
Passover is not just about remembering the past—it is about actively living in YAHUAH’s truth today. Let us remove both physical and spiritual leaven so we may be acceptable in His sight.
(See our book, Passover: Mysteries Revealed)
Conclusion
Passover is a time of deep spiritual reflection, and the removal of leaven is one of the most significant parts of this High Holy Day. It is a physical act that carries profound spiritual meaning, reminding us to remove sin and corruption from our lives so that we may walk in righteousness before YAHUAH.
By removing leaven from our homes and eating unleavened bread, we show our obedience to YAHUAH’s commands and our desire to live according to His ways. More than just a symbolic act, it is an opportunity for renewal, purification, and a closer walk with YAHUAH and Yahushua Ha’Mashiach.
As we prepare for Passover this year, let’s take the time to reflect, repent, and remove both the physical and spiritual leaven in our lives.
(See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness)
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