Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. NASB 1995 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. NASB 1977 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Legacy Standard Bible Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Amplified Bible 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. Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version Then understood they that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible 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. New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Weymouth New Testament Then they perceived that He had not warned them against bread-yeast, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen 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. Berean Literal Bible Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation Then understood they that he spake, not to keep from the leaven of bread, but from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen they understood that he said not that they should beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible 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. New Revised Standard Version 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen 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. Aramaic Bible in Plain English 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. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen 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. Godbey New Testament 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. Haweis New Testament 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. Mace New Testament then they perceived, he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the Pharisaick and Sadducean doctrine. Weymouth New Testament Then they perceived that He had not warned them against bread-yeast, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Worrell New Testament 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. Worsley New Testament 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Leaven to Beware…11How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12Then 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. 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”… Cross References Mark 8:15-21 “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? ... Luke 12:1 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. Matthew 13:33 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.” Matthew 15:9 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 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. Galatians 5:9 A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. Matthew 23:3 So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. Matthew 23:13 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. Matthew 23:15 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. Matthew 23:23 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. Matthew 23:27 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. Matthew 23:33 You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? Exodus 12:15 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. Exodus 12:19 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. Leviticus 2:11 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. Treasury of Scripture 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. Matthew 15:4-9 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death… Matthew 23:13 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. Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Jump to Previous Bade Beware Bread Caution Comprehended Doctrine Guard Heed Leaven Mind Perceived Pharisees Sadducees Sad'ducees Speak Teaching Telling Understood Used Warned YeastJump to Next Bade Beware Bread Caution Comprehended Doctrine Guard Heed Leaven Mind Perceived Pharisees Sadducees Sad'ducees Speak Teaching Telling Understood Used Warned YeastMatthew 16 1. The Pharisees require a sign.5. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13. The people's opinion of Jesus, 16. and Peter's confession of him. 21. Jesus foretells his death; 23. reproves Peter for dissuading him from it; 24. and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross. 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 but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about spiritual discernment and understanding. 2. Disciples The followers of Jesus who are being instructed to be wary of false teachings. 3. Pharisees and Sadducees Religious leaders of the time known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, often opposing Jesus' teachings. 4. Bread Used metaphorically by Jesus to represent teachings or doctrines. 5. Region of Galilee The area where Jesus and His disciples were traveling, a significant location for much of Jesus' ministry. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual MetaphorsJesus often used metaphors to convey deeper spiritual truths. As believers, we should seek to understand these metaphors in their biblical context. Discernment in Doctrine Just as Jesus warned His disciples, we must be vigilant about the teachings we accept, ensuring they align with Scripture. Guarding Against False Teachings 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. The Importance of Context Understanding the context of Jesus' teachings helps us apply them correctly in our lives. Contextual study is crucial for accurate interpretation. Community Accountability Engaging with a community of believers can help us stay grounded in sound doctrine and provide accountability against false teachings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 16:12?2. How does Matthew 16:12 warn against false teachings in today's church? 3. What does "beware of the leaven" symbolize in Matthew 16:12? 4. How can we discern modern "leaven" that contradicts biblical truth? 5. How does Matthew 16:12 connect with 1 Corinthians 5:6 on influence? 6. How can you apply Matthew 16:12 to guard your faith daily? 7. What does "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" mean in Matthew 16:12? 8. How does Matthew 16:12 relate to the broader theme of spiritual discernment? 9. Why did Jesus warn against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 16? 11. What does 'Leaven of the Pharisees' mean? 12. What does leaven symbolize in the Bible? 13. What are the key teachings and events in Matthew? 14. What does "Leaven of the Pharisees" mean? What Does Matthew 16:12 Mean Then they understoodThe disciples move from confusion to clarity. Jesus’ patient questions (Matthew 16:8-11) finally make sense, echoing how “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). God often turns our dim grasp into insight at just the right moment. • What seemed like a simple food warning is revealed as a spiritual lesson—just as Proverbs 2:6 reminds, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” • Our own “aha” moments come when we slow down, listen, and let the Lord connect the dots (James 1:5). He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread Leaven is small yet pervasive. In Scripture it can picture both good (Matthew 13:33) and evil. Here, Jesus uses the everyday image of yeast to spotlight hidden danger. • Physical leaven left in dough changes the whole loaf; likewise, unnoticed sin or error spreads (1 Corinthians 5:6-8—“a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough”). • The disciples’ first instinct was literal—“Did we forget bread?”—showing how easily we miss spiritual realities when our focus stays on earthly needs (John 6:26-27). But of the teaching Jesus zeroes in on doctrine, not diet. Truth and error start small but shape destinies. • False ideas can sound harmless yet steer hearts away from “the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). • Colossians 2:8 warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception,” underlining how teaching molds belief, character, and community. Of the Pharisees and Sadducees Two groups, different approaches, one shared danger: corrupt teaching. • Pharisees added human tradition, burdening consciences (Matthew 23:4, 13). • Sadducees subtracted truths—denying resurrection and angels (Acts 23:8). • Whether adding or subtracting, both distorted God’s Word, prompting Jesus’ caution (Mark 7:6-9). • Their influence reached far; Jesus therefore says “beware,” the same urgency Paul uses when warning elders about “savage wolves” in Acts 20:29-30. summary Matthew 16:12 shows Jesus turning a bread-talk misunderstanding into a lesson on vigilance. Leaven’s silent spread illustrates how false teaching—whether tradition-heavy or truth-denying—can permeate hearts and churches. By staying close to Christ, testing all ideas against Scripture, and depending on the Spirit for understanding, we resist that leaven and walk in the pure, life-giving truth of God’s Word. (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 Luke 12:1) "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.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."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek ThenΤότε (Tote) Adverb Strong's 5119: 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 Strong's 4920: To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. He was not telling [them] εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to beware προσέχειν (prosechein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 4337: 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 Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: 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 Strong's 2219: Leaven, ferment, both lit. and met. Probably from zeo; ferment. used in τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: 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 Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: 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 Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: 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 Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Sadducees. Σαδδουκαίων (Saddoukaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 4523: Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite. Links Matthew 16:12 NIVMatthew 16:12 NLT Matthew 16:12 ESV Matthew 16:12 NASB Matthew 16:12 KJV Matthew 16:12 BibleApps.com Matthew 16:12 Biblia Paralela Matthew 16:12 Chinese Bible Matthew 16:12 French Bible Matthew 16:12 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 16:12 Then they understood that he didn't tell (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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