The Unleavened Bread of Passover: The Meaning of Bread Without Yeast

The Angel of Death and the First Passover , engraving, c. 1897, C. Schonhew, 19th century

 

Q: One of the foods that God commanded the Israelites to eat during the Passover, as described in the book of Exodus, is unleavened bread (matzah). What is the significance of unleavened bread, and why was it necessary to exclude yeast?

 

A: In the book of Exodus, one of the key foods that God commanded the Israelites to eat during Passover was unleavened bread, known in Hebrew as matzah (\uB2E8\uB9D0 \uBB34\uAD50\uBCD1, mu-gyo-byeong in Korean). Unleavened bread is bread made without yeast (fermenting agent), meaning it does not rise. Instead, it remains flat and is prepared quickly. In Exodus 12:8, God instructs the Israelites to eat lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs as part of the Passover meal:

 

"They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it."
—Exodus 12:8 (ESV)

 

This demonstrates that unleavened bread is not just a simple type of bread but a food deeply tied to the historical and theological narrative of Passover. But why did God command the Israelites to eat bread without yeast? To understand this, we must explore the historical, symbolic, and theological meanings of unleavened bread.

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1. Unleavened Bread Symbolizes the Urgency of the Exodus

The historical context of the Exodus explains why unleavened bread played such a central role in the Passover meal. The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, suffering under the oppression of Pharaoh. God sent ten plagues to afflict Egypt, the last of which—the death of the firstborn—finally convinced Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

This final plague occurred on the night of the first Passover. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and place its blood on their doorposts, so the angel of death would "pass over" their homes. Immediately following this event, Pharaoh commanded the Israelites to leave Egypt in haste.

Exodus 12:39 describes their rapid departure:

"And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves."
—Exodus 12:39 (ESV)

The Israelites did not have time to allow their dough to rise, so they baked unleavened bread instead. This urgency reflects their obedience to God's command and their immediate departure from slavery. Thus, eating unleavened bread serves as a lasting reminder of the rapid nature of their escape and God’s deliverance.

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2. Removing Yeast Represents Purification from Sin and Corruption

In the Bible, yeast (leaven) often symbolizes sin, corruption, and impurity. This is because yeast spreads throughout the dough, just as sin can spread through individuals and communities if left unchecked.

Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Corinthians:

"Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."
—1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

Here, Paul links the removal of yeast with purification, urging believers to remove the old influences of sin and live holy lives. In the context of the Passover, the removal of yeast symbolized a complete break from the sinful, idolatrous practices of Egypt.

Exodus 12:15 also underscores this command:

"For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel."
—Exodus 12:15 (ESV)

This strict commandment illustrates how seriously God viewed the need for purification. By eliminating yeast from their homes and diets, the Israelites were symbolically ridding themselves of past corruption and entering into a new, holy covenant with God.

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3. Unleavened Bread Represents Humility and Dependence on God

Unleavened bread, in its simplicity, also carries an important message about humility and dependence on God. Unlike leavened bread, which rises and becomes soft and airy, unleavened bread remains flat, simple, and unpretentious. This mirrors the attitude God desires in His people—humility rather than pride.

Jesus warned His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees":

"Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
—Matthew 16:6 (ESV)

Here, "leaven" represents their hypocrisy, arrogance, and false teachings. The contrast between unleavened and leavened bread can thus be seen as the contrast between humility and pride. By eating unleavened bread, the Israelites were reminded of their complete reliance on God for deliverance and provision.

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4. Unleavened Bread Foreshadows Christ’s Sinless Sacrifice

In the New Testament, unleavened bread takes on an even deeper meaning as it comes to represent Jesus Christ Himself. During the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, Jesus took bread and said:

"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.'"
—Matthew 26:26 (ESV)

The bread Jesus used was likely unleavened bread, as leaven was strictly forbidden in Jewish Passover meals. This is significant because unleavened bread represents purity and the absence of corruption—just as Jesus was sinless and pure. His body, symbolized by the unleavened bread, was the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins.

Paul affirms this symbolism in 1 Corinthians 5:7:

"For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."
—1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (ESV)

This passage draws a direct connection between the unleavened bread of the Old Testament Passover and the body of Christ in the New Testament. Just as the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread during their deliverance from Egypt, believers today partake in communion with unleavened bread to remember Christ’s sacrifice.

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Conclusion: The Deep Theological Significance of Unleavened Bread

Unleavened bread is not just an ancient dietary rule—it is a powerful biblical symbol woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. It represents:

• The urgency of the Exodus—God’s command to leave Egypt without delay.
• Purity and separation from sin—removing yeast as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing.
• Humility and dependence on God—choosing simple, unpretentious sustenance.
• The sinlessness of Christ—His body, given as a perfect sacrifice for humanity.

By commanding the Israelites to eat unleavened bread during Passover, God was teaching them profound spiritual truths that extended beyond their immediate deliverance. Today, believers continue to reflect on the significance of unleavened bread, remembering both the Exodus and the ultimate deliverance provided through Jesus Christ.

Thus, the tradition of unleavened bread stands as a powerful reminder of God’s redemption, purity, and faithfulness throughout history.