Matthew 16:7
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διελογίζοντο
they reasoned
G1260
διελογίζοντο
they reasoned
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
3 of 10
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 10
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
It is because
G3754
ὅτι
It is because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 10
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
Bread was the staple of first-century Palestinian diet—'daily bread' (Matthew 6:11) was literal survival. Going without bread was genuinely concerning, making their worry understandable yet faithless given recent miracles. Jewish discussion culture valued debate, but here it reveals unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
- When has anxious 'reasoning among yourselves' caused you to completely misunderstand what God was saying?
- How does fixation on what you lack prevent you from hearing spiritual truth?
- What discussions reveal faithless calculation rather than prayerful dependence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They reasoned among themselves (διελογίζοντο ἐν ἑαυτοῖς)—dialogizomai means 'to debate, consider, calculate.' The disciples engaged in faithless calculation, missing Jesus's point entirely. Their whispered discussion reveals hearts focused on logistics rather than listening to their Master.
Because we have taken no bread—they interpreted Jesus's warning about 'leaven' (v. 6) as criticism for their forgetfulness, demonstrating how anxiety produces misinterpretation. When we're preoccupied with our failures and needs, we mishear God's actual message. This echoes Israel in the wilderness, constantly doubting provision despite repeated manna.