Matthew 16:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

NIV: How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'

NASB: How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'

CSB: Why is it you don't understand that when I told you, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,' it wasn't about bread? "

NLT: Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’'

KJV: How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

NKJV: How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?— but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Jesus drives home His point about the small faith of the disciples. He has given a warning of enormous importance: to avoid "the leaven" of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. By their response, Jesus' followers have revealed they are preoccupied with something of tiny importance: they didn't bring bread for the trip. Their anxious focus on the lack of bread caused them to misunderstand Jesus' vital teaching (Matthew 16:5–10).

The fact that it's bread, of all things, which trips these men up is part of Christ's frustration. In recent verses, Jesus reminded them about the two occasions where He turned tiny amounts of bread into enough for thousands of people. These men were present, handed out bread, and they gathered up leftovers in both instances (Matthew 14:13–21; 15:32–39). Of all the people alive on the earth at that moment, these twelve men should have been most reassured that Jesus could provide bread for them whenever it was needed.

This gives us context for Jesus' clear frustration: how can you not understand this? Of all the spiritual metaphors to misinterpret, this (Matthew 16:6) is not one the disciples should have missed. Before we sneer at the disciples, however, we should keep in mind how often we all do the same. Focused on our anxiety, we sometimes miss what God was providing for us in the moment.

To be sure the lesson is not lost, Jesus repeats the symbol. Leaven, or yeast, was often used as a metaphor for evil in Jewish teaching. The reason for this is yeast's ability to totally saturate a large quantity of dough, despite being very small. The effect of that tiny bit of yeast is dramatic. Speaking of sin as "leaven" emphasizes this danger. Even the "tiny" wrong teachings from the Jewish religious leaders would grow, and had grown, to lead a generation of Israelites away from faith in the Messiah.

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.