Matthew 16:5
And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθόντες
were come
G2064
ἐλθόντες
were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 11
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
when his
G846
αὐτοῦ
when his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 11
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
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέραν
the other side
G4008
πέραν
the other side
Strong's:
G4008
Word #:
8 of 11
through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee crossing was a common journey for Jesus and the Twelve (Matthew 8:23-27, 14:22-33). First-century fishing boats typically carried provisions, making this oversight notable. The Pharisees and Sadducees had just demanded a sign (16:1-4), prompting Jesus's warning about their teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'bread' do you forget to bring—what provision has God already demonstrated that you still worry about lacking?
- How does anxiety about physical needs blind you to spiritual dangers like false teaching?
- What recent 'miracles' in your life should remind you of God's faithful provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They had forgotten to take bread (ἐπελάθοντο ἄρτους λαβεῖν)—the verb epilanthanomai means 'to neglect, overlook.' This physical forgetfulness sets up Jesus's rebuke about spiritual forgetfulness. The disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee without provisions, yet immediately after witnessing two miraculous feedings (5,000 and 4,000), they worried about physical bread.
This incident becomes Jesus's teaching moment about the 'leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees' (v. 6)—false teaching that corrupts like yeast. Their material concern blinds them to the spiritual lesson, a pattern Jesus repeatedly confronts in His disciples' thick-headedness.