Luke 12:1
What does Luke 12:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 12:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 12:1 means
Jesus addresses His disciples first, even while a massive crowd presses in, warning them about the subtle, pervasive influence of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. Like leaven, hypocrisy works quietly but thoroughly, swelling outward appearances while leaving the heart unchanged. He urges vigilance against a religion of masks—piety performed for people rather than integrity before God. Disciples must be honest before the Lord, not content with external compliance or reputation. In calling it “leaven,” Jesus shows how small compromises can infiltrate a whole life and community. True discipleship requires sincerity, humility, and consistency so that one’s inner life matches one’s outward confession and practice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At that time, when thousands of the people had come together, in such numbers that they were crushing one another, he said first to his disciples, Have nothing to do with the leaven of the Pharisees, which is deceit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862At which time the myriads of the multitude having been gathered together, so as to tread upon one another, he began to say unto his disciples, first, `Take heed to yourselves of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when great multitudes stood about him, so that they trod one upon another, he began to say to his disciples: Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In those [times], the myriads of the crowd being gathered together, so that they trod one on another, he began to say to his disciples first, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy;
Context
A great multitude surrounds Jesus, signaling both His growing popularity and the spiritual danger of crowd-driven religion. Before speaking broadly, He equips His disciples to withstand public pressures, beginning with the central danger of hypocrisy. This warning sets the tone for the chapter: God will expose what is hidden, so disciples must live in truth. From here Jesus moves to themes of disclosure, fear of God rather than man, and the Father’s care—each building on the call to genuine, fearless faith.
v.1This passage
v.2But there is nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 5:1
Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret;
- 1 Peter 2:1
Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
- Luke 5:15
But so much the more went abroad the report concerning him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed of their infirmities.
- Matthew 16:6
And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- Acts 21:20
And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
- 2 Kings 7:17
And the king appointed the captain on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trod upon him in the gate, and he died as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Friendship
Explore how the Bible speaks about friendship, examining its importance, characteristics, and blessings in our lives.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.