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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/16-11.htm" title="Matthew 16:11">◄</a> Matthew 16:12 <a href="/matthew/16-13.htm" title="Matthew 16:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/16.htm">New International Version</a> Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/nlt/matthew/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/esv/matthew/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/bsb/matthew/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/blb/matthew/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/kjv/matthew/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/nasb/matthew/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/lsb/matthew/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/amp/matthew/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the [false] teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/csb/matthew/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the leaven in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the yeast in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/asv/matthew/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then understood they that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/cev/matthew/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Finally, the disciples understood that Jesus wasn't talking about the yeast used to make bread, but about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/erv/matthew/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/gwt/matthew/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then they understood that he didn't say to watch out for the yeast in bread, but to watch out for the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/gnt/matthew/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the disciples understood that he was not warning them to guard themselves from the yeast used in bread but from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/isv/matthew/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then they understood that he did not say to beware of the yeast used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/msb/matthew/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/net/matthew/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Then they understood that he had not told them to be on guard against the yeast in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/nheb/matthew/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/wbt/matthew/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then they understood that he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. <a href="/wey/matthew/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then they perceived that He had not warned them against bread-yeast, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/web/matthew/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Then they understood that He did not say to take heed of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/blb/matthew/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/ylt/matthew/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Then they understood that he did not say to take heed of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching, of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/slt/matthew/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then understood they that he spake, not to keep from the leaven of bread, but from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then they understood that he said not that they should beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then they understood that he was not saying that they should beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. <a href="/nabre/matthew/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Then they understood that he was not telling them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then they understood, that he did not say that they should beware of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But then they understood that he did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of Pharisees and of the Sadducees.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then they understood that he did not bid them beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of the (bread) of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/haweis/matthew/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then understood they, that he spake about abstaining not from the leaven in the bread, but from the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then they perceived, he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the Pharisaick and Sadducean doctrine. <a href="/wey/matthew/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then they perceived that He had not warned them against bread-yeast, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/worrell/matthew/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Then they understood that He did not bid them beware of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. <a href="/worsley/matthew/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then they understood, that He did not bid them beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the pharisees and of the sadducees. <a href="/parallel/matthew/16-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=4630" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/16.htm">The Leaven to Beware</a> …11How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: synēkan (V-AIA-3P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">they understood</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">He was not telling them</a> <a href="/greek/4337.htm" title="4337: prosechein (V-PNA) -- From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.">to beware</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2219.htm" title="2219: zymēs (N-GFS) -- Leaven, ferment, both lit. and met. Probably from zeo; ferment.">leaven</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">used in</a> <a href="/greek/740.htm" title="740: artōn (N-GMP) -- Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.">bread,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1322.htm" title="1322: didachēs (N-GFS) -- Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.">teaching</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4523.htm" title="4523: Saddoukaiōn (N-GMP) -- Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite.">Sadducees.</a> 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Mark 8:15-21</a> “Watch out!” He cautioned them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod.” / So they began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. / Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts? ... <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Luke 12:1</a> In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Matthew 13:33</a> He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a> They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6-8</a> Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough? / Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. / Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth. <a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Galatians 5:9</a> A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. <a href="/matthew/23-3.htm">Matthew 23:3</a> So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Matthew 23:15</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Matthew 23:33</a> You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? <a href="/exodus/12-15.htm">Exodus 12:15</a> For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. <a href="/exodus/12-19.htm">Exodus 12:19</a> For seven days there must be no leaven found in your houses. If anyone eats something leavened, that person, whether a foreigner or native of the land, must be cut off from the congregation of Israel. <a href="/leviticus/2-11.htm">Leviticus 2:11</a> No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.but.<a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Matthew 15:4-9</a> For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death… <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13</a> But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.<a href="/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/15-35.htm">Bade</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-15.htm">Caution</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Comprehended</a> <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Leaven</a> <a href="/matthew/16-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/matthew/16-8.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Sadducees</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Sad'ducees</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/matthew/12-48.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/matthew/13-51.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/matthew/14-20.htm">Used</a> <a href="/matthew/12-16.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Yeast</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/6-46.htm">Bade</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-15.htm">Caution</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Comprehended</a> <a href="/matthew/22-33.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/matthew/27-36.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Leaven</a> <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Sadducees</a> <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Sad'ducees</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/19-11.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/matthew/20-31.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Used</a> <a href="/matthew/16-20.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/mark/8-15.htm">Yeast</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 16</div>1. <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">The Pharisees require a sign.</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/16-5.htm">Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/16-13.htm">The people's opinion of Jesus,</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/16-16.htm">and Peter's confession of him.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/16-21.htm">Jesus foretells his death;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">reproves Peter for dissuading him from it;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then they understood This phrase indicates a moment of realization or enlightenment for the disciples. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often uses parables and metaphors, which sometimes confuse His followers. Here, the disciples come to a deeper understanding, highlighting the importance of spiritual insight over literal interpretation. This moment reflects the gradual process of learning and revelation that characterizes the disciples' journey with Jesus.that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread Leaven, or yeast, is a common biblical metaphor for influence, often negative. In Jewish culture, leaven is associated with sin and corruption, as seen in the Passover tradition of removing leaven from homes (<a href="/exodus/12-15.htm">Exodus 12:15</a>). Jesus uses this metaphor to warn against the corrupting influence of certain teachings. The disciples initially misunderstand, thinking Jesus refers to physical bread, which underscores their struggle to grasp spiritual truths.but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees The Pharisees and Sadducees were influential Jewish sects during Jesus' time. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, while the Sadducees, who were more aristocratic, denied certain doctrines like the resurrection. Jesus warns against their teachings, which are characterized by legalism, hypocrisy, and a lack of true understanding of God's will. This warning is a call to discernment, urging believers to be cautious of doctrines that deviate from the truth of the Gospel. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Galatians 5:9</a>, where Paul warns that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump," emphasizing the pervasive nature of false teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about spiritual discernment and understanding. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The followers of Jesus who are being instructed to be wary of false teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_sadducees.htm">Pharisees and Sadducees</a> Religious leaders of the time known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, often opposing Jesus' teachings. 4. <a href="/topical/b/bread.htm">Bread</a> Used metaphorically by Jesus to represent teachings or doctrines. 5. <a href="/topical/r/region_of_galilee.htm">Region of Galilee</a> The area where Jesus and His disciples were traveling, a significant location for much of Jesus' ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_metaphors.htm">Understanding Spiritual Metaphors</a> Jesus often used metaphors to convey deeper spiritual truths. As believers, we should seek to understand these metaphors in their biblical context. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_doctrine.htm">Discernment in Doctrine</a> Just as Jesus warned His disciples, we must be vigilant about the teachings we accept, ensuring they align with Scripture. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachings.htm">Guarding Against False Teachings</a> The "leaven" of false doctrine can subtly infiltrate and corrupt our faith. We must be diligent in studying the Word to recognize and reject falsehoods. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_context.htm">The Importance of Context</a> Understanding the context of Jesus' teachings helps us apply them correctly in our lives. Contextual study is crucial for accurate interpretation. <a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a> Engaging with a community of believers can help us stay grounded in sound doctrine and provide accountability against false teachings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 16</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'coram_deo'_mean.htm">What does 'Leaven of the Pharisees' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_laws_in_the_covenant_code.htm">What does leaven symbolize in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/key_teachings_events_in_matthew.htm">What are the key teachings and events in Matthew?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'leaven_of_the_pharisees'.htm">What does "Leaven of the Pharisees" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) The doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.--Better, teaching; not so much the formulated dogmas of the sect as its general drift and tendency. The leaven was (as expressly stated in <a href="/luke/12-1.htm" title="In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, so that they stepped one on another, he began to say to his disciples first of all, Beware you of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.">Luke 12:1</a>) "hypocrisy," the unreality of a life respectable, rigid, outwardly religious, even earnest in its zeal, and yet wanting in the humility and love which are of the essence of true holiness. That of the Sadducees and of Herod, was, we may believe (it is not specially defined), the more open form of worldliness and self-indulgence which allied themselves with their denial of the resurrection and therefore of eternal life.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Then understood they. Jesus did not explain his meaning further; but his reproof roused their intellect, made them reflect, set them on the road to the truth. The doctrine. This was what Jesus meant by "the leaven." In a wider sense it might include practice as well as precept, manner of life as well as teaching. The same spirit permeated all. "See," says St. Chrysostom, "how much good his reproof wrought. For it both led them away from the Jewish observances, and, when they were remiss. made them more heedful, and delivered them from want of faith; so that they were not afraid nor in alarm, if at any time they seemed to have few loaves; nor were they careful about famine, but despised all these things." <a href="/commentaries/matthew/16-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Τότε (Tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. they understood συνῆκαν (synēkan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. He was not telling [them] εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to beware προσέχειν (prosechein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4337.htm">Strong's 4337: </a> From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. yeast ζύμης (zymēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2219.htm">Strong's 2219: </a> Leaven, ferment, both lit. and met. Probably from zeo; ferment. used in τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. bread, ἄρτων (artōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_740.htm">Strong's 740: </a> Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. teaching διδαχῆς (didachēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1322.htm">Strong's 1322: </a> Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Pharisees Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Sadducees. Σαδδουκαίων (Saddoukaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4523.htm">Strong's 4523: </a> Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/16-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 16:12 Then they understood that he didn't tell (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/16-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 16:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 16:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/16-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 16:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 16:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>