Matthew 16:11
What does Matthew 16:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 16:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 16:11 means
Jesus directly confronts their spiritual dullness, asking why they still fail to perceive that His warning was not about physical bread. He reiterates His command to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees," emphasizing that His concern is with their dangerous influence, not their lack of provisions. This direct challenge pushes the disciples to move beyond their literal interpretations and understand the deeper spiritual truth He is trying to convey.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000How is it that ye do not perceive that I spake not to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
KJV
King James Version · 1611How 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901How is it that ye do not perceive that I spake not to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949How is it that you do not see that I was not talking to you about bread, but about keeping away from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862how do ye not understand that I did not speak to you of bread--to take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Why do you not understand that it was not concerning bread I said to you: Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890How do ye not understand that [it was] not concerning bread I said to you, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
Context
This verse represents a pivotal moment where Jesus directly clarifies His intention, having first reminded them of His power through past miracles. It immediately precedes the disciples' eventual understanding, making it a critical turning point in their discernment. This statement highlights the importance of understanding the spiritual nature of Jesus' teachings.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 16:6
And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- Mark 4:40
And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?
- John 8:43
Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word.
- Mark 8:21
And he said unto them, Do ye not yet understand?
- Luke 12:56
Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time?
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