Matthew 16:12

Authorized King James Version

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Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Original Language Analysis

τότε Then G5119
τότε Then
Strong's: G5119
Word #: 1 of 19
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
συνῆκαν understood they G4920
συνῆκαν understood they
Strong's: G4920
Word #: 2 of 19
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
ὅτι how that G3754
ὅτι how that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 3 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐκ them not G3756
οὐκ them not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 4 of 19
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
εἶπεν he bade G2036
εἶπεν he bade
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 5 of 19
to speak or say (by word or writing)
προσέχειν beware G4337
προσέχειν beware
Strong's: G4337
Word #: 6 of 19
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
ἀπὸ of G575
ἀπὸ of
Strong's: G575
Word #: 7 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζύμης the leaven G2219
ζύμης the leaven
Strong's: G2219
Word #: 9 of 19
ferment (as if boiling up)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄρτου, of bread G740
ἄρτου, of bread
Strong's: G740
Word #: 11 of 19
bread (as raised) or a loaf
ἀλλ' but G235
ἀλλ' but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 12 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἀπὸ of G575
ἀπὸ of
Strong's: G575
Word #: 13 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διδαχῆς the doctrine G1322
διδαχῆς the doctrine
Strong's: G1322
Word #: 15 of 19
instruction (the act or the matter)
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων of the Pharisees G5330
Φαρισαίων of the Pharisees
Strong's: G5330
Word #: 17 of 19
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 18 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Σαδδουκαίων of the Sadducees G4523
Σαδδουκαίων of the Sadducees
Strong's: G4523
Word #: 19 of 19
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite

Analysis & Commentary

This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

Historical Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Questions for Reflection

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