Matthew 16:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Jesus said to them, "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

NIV: "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

NASB: And Jesus said to them, 'Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'

CSB: Then Jesus told them, "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

NLT: Watch out!' Jesus warned them. 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'

KJV: Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

NKJV: Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

This comment comes during a trip across the sea of Galilee (Matthew 16:5), following another a confrontation between Jesus and His critics. Earlier, a group of Pharisees and Sadducees approached Him to demand a miracle. He responded that He'd give them no more signs, other than the sign of Jonah, referring to His own death and resurrection (Matthew 16:1–4). The disciples, meanwhile, realize that they have failed to pack bread for this trip. Whether they say so to Him, or not, the men assume that Jesus' reference to leaven is in response to their concern over bread.

This, however, is not what Jesus means. Yeast was often used as a metaphor for evil in Jewish teaching. Not because it was unclean, or inedible, but because yeast begins as a very small thing, growing larger and larger within the bread. A tiny amount of yeast, relatively speaking, can affect a large quantity of bread. This is why the Old Testament law sometimes required Israelites to eat unleavened bread: bread with no yeast.

Christ is giving a warning about just how dangerous the errors of the Pharisees and Sadducees really are. Following those ideas could lead to enormously wrong beliefs for the people. Given that they're thinking about edible bread, this is not the interpretation the disciples first assume.

Matthew 16:5–12 follows His confrontation with critics demanding yet another miracle as proof of His authority. The disciples mention they have forgotten to pack bread, to which Jesus responds they need to watch out for "the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They think He is talking about the missing bread. Jesus challenges their faith. They were present when He fed thousands from a few loaves. Why are they talking about literal bread? He warns them again about the Pharisees and Sadducees, indicating that their teachings are false.

A group of Pharisees and Sadducees demand a miracle from Jesus, though He has already performed many. Jesus refuses and warns the disciples to beware of the teachings of these religious leaders. Jesus asks the disciples who the people say He is, as well as their own opinion. Peter says Jesus is the Christ, and is commended for that statement. Jesus begins to reveal that He must suffer and be killed before being raised on the third day. Peter's attempt to scold Jesus results in a devastating rebuke. Jesus then says all who would follow Him must take up crosses of self-denial.

Matthew 16 finds Jesus returned from the Gentile regions, only to be immediately confronted by another group of Jewish religious leaders. Yet again, these men prove they are insincere: no amount of evidence will ever be enough for them. After a dramatic discussion about Jesus' role as Messiah, Jesus indicates that those who would come after Him must take up their crosses and follow Him. His references to some seeing the Son of Man coming in His kingdom will be fulfilled at the beginning of chapter 17, in an event known as the transfiguration.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.