Devine Scripture

Matthew 16:12

What does Matthew 16:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 16:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 16:12 means

Finally, the disciples grasped the true meaning of Jesus' parabolic warning. They understood that His caution against the "leaven" was not about literal bread or yeast, but about the corrupting "teaching" or doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. This moment marks a significant step in their spiritual comprehension, moving them beyond a materialistic interpretation to a discernment of profound spiritual danger inherent in false religious instruction and hypocrisy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then understood they that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then understood they that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then they saw that it was not the leaven of bread which he had in mind, but the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then they understood that he did not say to take heed of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching, of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then they understood that he said not that they should beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then they comprehended that he did not speak of being beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Context

This verse marks the resolution of the disciples' misunderstanding regarding the 'leaven' warning. Their newfound comprehension reveals their growth in spiritual discernment, immediately preceding a pivotal theological discussion shifted away from the religious leaders to Jesus' own identity. This understanding is foundational for the profound revelations that follow in Caesarea Philippi.

v.11How 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.

v.12This passage

v.13Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 23:8

    For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

  • Matthew 15:4

    For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death.

  • Matthew 23:13

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.

  • Matthew 5:20

    For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

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