Matthew 16:6
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
Ὁρᾶτε
Take heed
G3708
Ὁρᾶτε
Take heed
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
6 of 15
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσέχετε
beware
G4337
προσέχετε
beware
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
8 of 15
(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 #:
9 of 15
"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 #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
13 of 15
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
Cross References
Luke 12:1In 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.Galatians 5:9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.Mark 8:15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.Matthew 16:12Then 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.Leviticus 2:11No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
- How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
- What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.