Keraia
Matthew 16

Matthew 16:11

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees · Matthew 16:5–12
Read Matthew 16

Translations

Modern
How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Traditional
How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Literal
How do you not perceive that I did not speak to you about loaves? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Latin
Quare non intelligitis, quia non de pane dixi vobis: Cavete a fermento pharisæorum et sadducæorum?

Original

Greek
English
How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Notes

Matthew 16:11–12

Leaven (or yeast) often symbolizes sin and evil (see Exodus 12:8, 15; Leviticus 6:16–17; Galatians 5:9). Here, it represents how deceptive teaching spreads.

Matthew 16:1–12

After being welcomed among the Gentiles (non-Jews), Jesus returned to his own people. There he faced rejection again.

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees The Sadducees Little Faith

Events

Parallels

Mark 8:14–21 Luke 12:1–3

People

Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy Sadducee: A Jewish sect that denied the resurrection and spirits

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Leaven Sadducees

Topics

Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Chiding: Jesus Chides his Disciples for Slowness of Heart Chiding: Jesus Chides his Disciples: On Account of Their Unbelief Christian Minister: Rulers in the Temple Jesus, the Christ: Cautions his Disciples Against, the Leaven of Hypocrisy Leaven (Yeast) of the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Sadducees: Jesus Warns his Disciples Against The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Doctrines of, to be Hypocrisy The Sadducees: Christ: Cautioned his Disciples Against Their Principles