Luke 12:1

Authorized King James Version

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐν
G1722
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
οἷς
G3739
the mean time
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
ἐπισυναχθεισῶν
G1996
when there were gathered together
to collect upon the same place
#4
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
μυριάδων
G3461
an innumerable multitude
a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὄχλου
G3793
of people
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#8
ὥστε
G5620
insomuch that
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#9
καταπατεῖν
G2662
they trode
to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain
#10
ἀλλήλους
G240
one upon another
one another
#11
ἤρξατο
G756
he began
to commence (in order of time)
#12
λέγειν
G3004
to say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#13
πρὸς
G4314
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#14
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μαθητὰς
G3101
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#16
αὐτοῦ
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#17
πρῶτον
G4412
first of all
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
#18
Προσέχετε
G4337
Beware
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
#19
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
ye
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#20
ἀπὸ
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#21
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ζύμης
G2219
the leaven
ferment (as if boiling up)
#23
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
Φαρισαίων
G5330
of the Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#25
ἥτις
G3748
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#26
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#27
ὑπόκρισις
G5272
hypocrisy
acting under a feigned part, i.e., (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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