LEAVEN

(through Fr. leva in: from Lat. levamen, solace, levare, to lift up), a substance which produces fermentation; also an underlying element or influence which produces a subtle change over anything. To the Hebrew the word suggested corruption, hence leavened bread was not permitted in sacrifices. At the Feast of the Pa over or of Ma o0th unleavened bread was eaten. In the N.T. the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to L. (Matt. xiii. 33), signifying a good influence. The idea of corruption is suggested in the reference to the L. of the Pharisee s in Matt. xvi. 6. L (2/4) l (2/4)