Matthew 16 6

Matthew 16:6 kjv

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

Matthew 16:6 nkjv

Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."

Matthew 16:6 niv

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

Matthew 16:6 esv

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

Matthew 16:6 nlt

"Watch out!" Jesus warned them. "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

Matthew 16 verses

Matthew 16 6 Meaning

Jesus warned His disciples to be vigilant against the pervasive and corrupting influence symbolized by "the yeast" of the Pharisees and Sadducees. This "yeast" primarily represented their false doctrines, legalistic interpretations of the law, hypocrisy, and worldly-mindedness that permeated and subtly distorted genuine faith and truth. It was a command to discern and avoid these harmful spiritual influences.

Matthew 16 6 Context

The immediate context of Matthew 16:6 finds Jesus and His disciples in the region of Magadan (or Dalmanutha in Mark). Moments before this warning, the Pharisees and Sadducees had approached Jesus, demanding a miraculous sign from heaven to validate His authority (Matt 16:1-4). Jesus refused, condemning them for being able to interpret weather patterns but not "the signs of the times," and reaffirmed that no sign would be given except "the sign of Jonah" (His death and resurrection). Leaving them, Jesus then addressed His disciples on the topic of "yeast." The disciples, misinterpreting Jesus' words, initially thought He was speaking literally about the lack of physical bread, prompting Jesus to rebuke their dullness of understanding before clarifying His symbolic meaning. This conversation sets the stage for Peter's great confession of Jesus as the Christ later in the chapter, highlighting the importance of discerning true spiritual identity versus superficial or false understandings.

The broader historical and cultural context underscores the ongoing tension between Jesus and the two dominant Jewish religious groups of His day. The Pharisees were respected for their piety and adherence to the Law, including a vast body of oral tradition, but were often characterized by legalism, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness. The Sadducees, an aristocratic priestly class, were politically powerful and more worldly, rejecting oral traditions and specific doctrines like the resurrection, angels, or the afterlife, focusing strictly on the written Torah. Jesus consistently confronted the spiritual blindness, pride, and false authority of both groups, who despite their doctrinal differences, were united in their opposition to Him and His kingdom message. Their teachings and example posed a profound spiritual danger to the people and particularly to His followers.

Matthew 16 6 Word analysis

• Then Jesus said (Τότε ἔφη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Tote ephē autois ho Iēsous): Marks a direct address from Jesus to His disciples, emphasizing the importance of what follows. It's a solemn declaration after leaving the opposing religious leaders.
• to them (αὐτοῖς, autois): Refers directly to His disciples (implied from prior verses like 16:5), highlighting that this warning is specifically for His followers.
• Watch out (Ὁρᾶτε, Horate): An imperative verb, meaning "see," "look," or "perceive." It's a command for active observation, requiring spiritual alertness and discernment. It implies an internal perception beyond mere physical sight.
• and beware (καὶ προσέχετε, kai prosechete): Another imperative verb, often meaning "to pay attention," "to hold to," "to guard against," or "to take heed." Coupled with "watch out," it forms a strong, urgent double warning. It suggests a cautious vigilance, actively avoiding or guarding against something harmful.
• of the yeast (ἀπὸ τῆς ζύμης, apo tēs zymēs):
  • Yeast (ζύμη, zymē): Also translated as leaven. A small amount causes a large batch of dough to rise and changes its character entirely. In biblical symbolism, yeast almost invariably represents a pervasive, often corrupting, influence. It symbolizes hidden but potent power, capable of permeating and transforming everything it touches. Here, it symbolizes the corrupting doctrine, moral influence, and spiritual attitude.
  • The preposition apo ("from" or "away from") implies separation or guarding against the influence originating from the yeast.
• of the Pharisees (τῶν Φαρισαίων, tōn Pharisaion):
  • Pharisees (Φαρισαῖοι, Pharisaioi): From a root meaning "separated ones." The dominant and influential Jewish sect during Jesus' time. They meticulously observed the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, striving for personal holiness. However, their "yeast" often refers to their hypocrisy (Lk 12:1), legalism, externalism, pride, self-righteousness, and elevating human traditions above God's commands. They often rejected Jesus as the Messiah due to their narrow, human-centered interpretation of scripture and reliance on outward observance.
• and Sadducees (καὶ Σαδδουκαίων, kai Saddoukaion):
  • Sadducees (Σαδδουκαῖοι, Saddoukaioi): A smaller, aristocratic, and priestly Jewish sect, politically powerful and influential, especially in the Temple cult. Their "yeast" represents their rationalistic unbelief, denial of resurrection, angels, spirits, and future judgment, and a more materialistic and worldly mindset focused on earthly power rather than divine revelation or spiritual realities. They often sought political expedience.

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