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Commentary on Matthew 16 verses 5–12
We have here Christ's discourse with his disciples concerning bread, in which, as in many other discourses, he speaks to them of spiritual things under a similitude, and they misunderstand him of carnal things. The occasion of it was, their forgetting to victual their ship, and to take along with them provisions for their family on the other side of the water; usually they carried bread along with them, because they were sometimes in desert places; and when they were not, yet they would not be burthensome. But now they forgot; we will hope it was because their minds and memories were filled with better things. Note, Christ's disciples are often such as have no great forecast for the world.
I. Here is the caution Christ gave them, to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. He had now been discoursing with the Pharisees and Sadducees, and saw them to be men of such a spirit, that it was necessary to caution his disciples to have nothing to do with them. Disciples are in most danger from hypocrites; against those that are openly vicious they stand upon their guard, but against Pharisees, who are great pretenders to devotion, and Sadducees, who pretend to a free and impartial search after truth, they commonly lie unguarded: and therefore the caution is doubted, Take heed, and beware.
The corrupt principles and practices of the Pharisees and Sadducees are compared to leaven; they were souring, and swelling, and spreading, like leaven; they fermented wherever they came.
II. Their mistake concerning this caution, Mat 16:7. They thought Christ hereby upbraided them with their improvidence and forgetfulness, that they were so busy attending to his discourse with the Pharisees, that therefore they forgot their private concerns. Or, because having no bread of their own with them, they must be beholden to their friends for supply, he would not have them to ask it of the Pharisees and Sadducees, nor to receive of their alms, because he would not so far countenance them; or, for fear, lest, under pretence of feeding them, they should do them a mischief. Or, they took it for a caution, not to be familiar with the Pharisees and Sadducees, not to eat with them (Pro 23:6), whereas the danger was not in their bread (Christ himself did eat with them, Luk 7:36; Luk 11:37; Luk 14:1), but in their principles.
III. The reproof Christ gave them for this.
1.He reproves their distrust of his ability and readiness to supply them in this strait (Mat 16:8); "O ye of little faith, why are ye in such perplexity because ye have taken no bread, that ye can mind nothing else, that ye think your Master is as full of it as you, and apply every thing he saith to that?" He does not chide them for their little forecast, as they expected he would. Note, Parents and masters must not be angry at the forgetfulness of their children and servants, more than is necessary to make them take more heed another time; we are all apt to be forgetful of our duty. This should serve to excuse a fault, Peradventure it was an oversight. See how easily Christ forgave his disciples' carelessness, though it was in such a material point as taking bread; and do likewise. But that which he chides them for is their little faith.
(1.)He would have them to depend upon him for supply, though it were in a wilderness, and not to disquiet themselves with anxious thoughts about it. Note, Though Christ's disciples be brought into wants and straits, through their own carelessness and incogitancy, yet he encourages them to trust in him for relief. We must not therefore use this as an excuse for our want of charity to those who are really poor, that they should have minded their own affairs better, and then they would not have been in need. It may be so, but they must not therefore be left to starve when they are in need.
(2.)He is displeased at their solicitude in this matter. The weakness and shiftlessness of good people in their worldly affairs is that for which men are apt to condemn them; but it is not such an offence to Christ as their inordinate care and anxiety about those things. We must endeavour to keep the mean between the extremes of carelessness and carefulness; but of the two, the excess of thoughtfulness about the world worst becomes Christ's disciples. "O ye of little faith, why are ye disquieted for want of bread?" Note, To distrust Christ, and to disturb ourselves when we are in straits and difficulties, is an evidence of the weakness of our faith, which, if it were in exercise as it should be, would ease us of the burthen of care, by casting it on the Lord, who careth for us.
(3.)The aggravation of their distrust was the experience they had so lately had of the power and goodness of Christ in providing for them, Mat 16:9, Mat 16:10. Though they had no bread with them, they had him with them who could provide bread for them. If they had not the cistern, they had the Fountain. Do ye not yet understand, neither remember? Note, Christ's disciples are often to be blamed for the shallowness of their understandings, and the slipperiness of their memories. "Have ye forgot those repeated instances of merciful and miraculous supplies; five thousand fed with five loaves, and four thousand with seven loaves, and yet they had enough and to spare? Remember how many baskets ye took up." These baskets were intended for memorials, by which to keep the mercy in remembrance, as the pot of manna which was preserved in the ark, Exo 16:32. The fragments of those meals would be a feast now; and he that could furnish them with such an overplus then, surely could furnish them with what was necessary now. That meat for their bodies was intended to be meat or their faith (Psa 74:14), which therefore they should have lived upon, now that they had forgotten to take bread. Note, We are therefore perplexed with present cares and distrusts, because we do not duly remember our former experiences of divine power and goodness.
2.He reproves their misunderstanding of the caution he gave them (Mat 16:11); How is it that you do not understand? Note, Christ's disciples may well be ashamed of the slowness and dulness of their apprehensions in divine things; especially when they have long enjoyed the means of grace; I spake it not unto you concerning bread. He took it ill, (1.) That they should think him as thoughtful about bread as they were; whereas his meat and drink were to do his Father's will. (2.) That they should be so little acquainted with his way of preaching, as to take that literally which he spoke by way of parable; and should thus make themselves like the multitude, who, when Christ spoke to them in parables, seeing, saw not, and hearing, heard not, Mat 13:13.
IV. The rectifying of the mistake by this reproof (Mat 16:12); Then understood they what he meant. Note, Christ therefore shows us our folly and weakness, that we may stir up ourselves to take things right. He did not tell them expressly what he meant, but repeated what he had said, that they should beware of the leaven; and so obliged them, by comparing this with his other discourses, to arrive at the sense of it in their own thoughts. Thus Christ teaches by the Spirit of wisdom in the heart, opening the understanding to the Spirit of revelation in the word. And those truths are most precious, which we have thus digged for, and have found out after some mistakes. Though Christ did not tell them plainly, yet now they were aware that by the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, he meant their doctrine and way, which were corrupt and vicious, but, as they managed them, very apt to insinuate themselves into the minds of men like leaven, and to eat like a canker. They were leading men, and were had in reputation, which made the danger of infection by their errors the greater. In our age, we may reckon atheism and deism to be the leaven of the Sadducees, and popery to be the leaven of the Pharisees, against both which it concerns all Christians to stand upon their guard.
The apostles are ordered to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They are warned not to be involved in the disputes of the Jews. The works of the law are now to be viewed in the light of faith. They are forewarned that they, into whose time and age the truth had appeared incarnate, should judge nothing except which lies within the position of hope in likeness of the truth that is revealed. They are warned against allowing the doctrine of the Pharisees, who are unaware of Christ, to corrupt the effectiveness of the truth of the gospel.
Observe, we do not read here as in other places, that He sent the multitudes away and departed; but because the error of unbelief held the minds of the presumptuous, it is said that He left them.
Herein the Apostles are admonished not to be partakers in the doctrine of the Jews; for the works of the Law were established to produce faith, and to prefigure the things that were to follow; and they on whose times truth itself had chanced should look for no further types of truth; lest the teaching of the Pharisees, which knew not of Christ, should stay the effect of Gospel truth.
"And when His disciples," so it is said, "were come to the other side, they forgot to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."
And why said He not plainly, Beware of their teaching? His will is to remind them of what had been done, for He knew they had forgotten. But for accusing them at once there seemed to be no reasonable ground, but to take the occasion from themselves, and so to reprove them, would make the charge admissible. "And why did He not then reprove them, when they said, 'Whence should we have so many loaves in the wilderness?' for it seemed a good time then to say what He says here." That He might not seem to rush hastily on the miracle. And besides, He would not blame them before the multitude, nor seek honor in their presence. And now too the accusation had greater reason, for that after repetition of the miracle they were so minded.
Wherefore also He works another miracle, and then and not till then He reproves; I mean, He brings forward what they were reasoning in their hearts. But what were their reasonings? "Because," so it is said, "we have taken no bread." For as yet they were full of trepidation about the purifications of the Jews, and the observances of meats.
Wherefore on all accounts He attacks them even with severity, saying, "Why reason ye in yourselves, O ye of little faith, because ye have brought no bread? Perceive ye not yet, neither understand? Have ye your heart hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? Having ears, hear ye not? Do ye not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?"
Seest thou intense displeasure? For nowhere else doth He appear to have so rebuked them. Wherefore then doth He so? In order again to cast out their prejudice about the meats. I mean that with this view, whereas then He had only said, "Perceive ye not, neither understand?" in this place, and with a strong rebuke, He saith, "O ye of little faith."
For not everywhere is lenity a good thing. And as He used to allow them freedom of speech, so doth He also reprove, by this variety providing for their salvation. And mark thou at once His reproof, how strong, and His mildness. For all but excusing Himself to them for His severe reproofs to them, He saith, "Do ye not yet consider the five loaves, and how many baskets ye took up; and the seven loaves, and how many baskets ye took up?" And to this end He sets down also the numbers, as well of the persons fed as of the fragments, at once both bringing them to recollection of the past, and making them more attentive to the future.
And to teach thee how great the power of His reproof, and how it roused up their slumbering mind, hear what saith the evangelist. For Jesus having said no more, but having reproved them, and added this only, "How is it that ye do not understand, that I spake it not to you concerning bread that ye should beware, but of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees;" He subjoined, saying, "Then understood they that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees," although He had not uttered that interpretation.
See how much good His reproof wrought. For it both led them away from the Jewish observances, and when they were remiss, made them more heedful, and delivered them from want of faith; so that they were not afraid nor in alarm, if at any time they seemed to have few loaves; nor were they careful about famine, but despised all these things.
Why did He not say plainly, Take heed of the doctrine of the Pharisees? Because He would remind them of those things that had been done in the multiplication of the loaves, knowing them to be forgetful. To have given them this charge at once bluntly would have seemed unreasonable; but to find fault with them on occasion furnished by themselves prepared the way for the charge; therefore it is that the Evangelist brings forward their thoughts; But they thought within themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Because the disciples still grovelled about Jewish observances, the Lord sharply rebukes them for the benefit of all; whence it follows, But Jesus knowing their thoughts said unto them, O ye of little faith, why consider ye among yourselves because ye have no bread?
This He does that He may put away from them all care for food. But why did He not reprove them, when they said, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness? for that seemed a more fitting occasion. He did not blame them at that time that He might not seem to be by that urged on to do miracles, and He was unwilling to find fault with them before the people. Also there was more reason in the charge, when after two miracles of multiplication of loaves, they had anxiety about food. Observe with what mildness He rebukes them; He makes an excuse in answer Himself, saying, Do ye not yet understand, nor remember the five loaves?
By this calling to mind what was past, and rousing their attention to what was to come.
But that you may learn what force Christ's reproof had upon His disciples, and how it roused their sluggish spirit, hear what says the Evangelist; Then they understood how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees; yet He had not interpreted this to them. This instruction of the Lord them drew them away from Jewish observances, and made them attentive instead of careless, and raised them out of their little faith, that whenever they should seem to have but little provision of bread they should have no fear about food, but should despise all those things.
For he that takes heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, does not observe the precepts of the Law and of the letter, and neglects the traditions of men that he may do the commandments of God. This is the leaven of which the Apostle speaks, A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (1 Cor. 5:6.) By every means also we should avoid that leaven which Marcion, Valentinus, and all the heretics had. For the nature of leaven is such, that when mixed with flour, that which seemed a little increases to a large quantity, and brings the whole mixture to its own flavour. Thus heretical doctrine if it have cast but a small spark into your breast, in a short time a mighty flame is raised, and drives the whole temper of the man along with it.
How had they no bread, seeing that as soon as they had filled seven baskets they entered into the boat, and came into the parts of Magedan? There they hear that they ought to take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. But the Scripture is witness that they had forgotten to take the baskets with them.
Thus He takes this occasion to instruct them what is meant by the five loaves and the seven loaves, the five thousand and the four thousand, who were fed in the desert. For if the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees signified not earthly food, but corrupt traditions and heretical dogmas, why should not the food with which the people of God is nourished signify the true and uncorrupt doctrine?
(Verses 6, 7.) Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. But they were discussing among themselves, saying, 'We did not bring any bread.' He who avoids the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees does not observe the precepts of the Law and the teachings of men, neglecting the traditions in order to fulfill God's commandment.
They were bound to their Master with so great affection, that they were unwilling to part from Him for even a moment of time. And herein it should be observed how far they were from any longing for delicacies, when they took so small care for necessaries, that they had even forgotten to take bread, without which human weakness cannot support itself. He said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees; and of the Sadducees.
Just as leaven is both sour and old, so too the sour teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, with its moldering traditions of the elders, ate away at souls. And just as leaven is a mixture of water and flour, so the teaching of the Pharisees is a mixture of their speech and their corrupted life. He did not say openly to them, "Beware of the teaching of the Pharisees," so that He might remind them of the signs done with the loaves.
(non occ.) As the Lord had left the Pharisees on account of their unbelief, so now He teaches His disciples to be on their guard against their doctrine; whence it follows, And when His disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
(ord.) As much as to say; Why do ye think that I spake of earthly bread, for which ye ought not to have a thought, having beheld Me of so little make such abundant overplus?
(interlin.) As much as to say, Do ye not understand the mystery, nor remember the miracle?
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SUMMARY
In Matthew 16:6, Jesus issues a profound warning to His disciples, urging them to exercise extreme caution regarding the insidious "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees. This metaphorical warning transcends a mere concern about physical bread, pointing instead to the corrupting influence of their doctrines, hypocrisy, and worldly rationalism that could subtly undermine genuine faith and spiritual truth. It serves as a crucial call for spiritual discernment, highlighting the pervasive danger of false teaching and ungodly attitudes within religious leadership.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This warning immediately follows a pivotal interaction where the Pharisees and Sadducees demanded a sign from heaven from Jesus, despite having just witnessed His miraculous feeding of the four thousand in the preceding chapter (Matthew 15:32-39). Jesus rebuked their spiritual blindness, lamenting their inability to discern "the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:1-4). As Jesus and His disciples crossed the sea, the disciples realized they had forgotten to bring bread, leading to their initial misunderstanding of Jesus' metaphorical use of "leaven" as a literal concern about physical food (Matthew 16:5-7). Jesus' subsequent clarification in Matthew 16:11-12 reveals that He was speaking of the "doctrine" of these religious sects, setting the stage for Peter's confession of Christ's identity.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Pharisees and Sadducees represented the two dominant Jewish religious and political factions of Jesus' day. The Pharisees (from the Aramaic perishaya, "separated ones") were a popular lay movement known for their zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions, which they considered equally authoritative as the written Torah. While many were sincere, their emphasis on outward purity and meticulous observance often led to legalism, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy, as frequently condemned by Jesus (e.g., Matthew 23). The Sadducees were an aristocratic priestly class, largely controlling the Temple and its rituals. They were politically powerful and conservative, accepting only the written Torah as authoritative and rejecting doctrines such as the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8). Despite their significant theological and social differences, both groups were united in their opposition to Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their authority and established order.
Key Themes: The warning in Matthew 16:6 contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of spiritual discernment, contrasting the disciples' initial physical understanding with the deeper spiritual truth Jesus intended. It highlights the critical need for believers to distinguish between genuine faith and corrupting influences. Secondly, it elaborates on the pervasive danger of false teaching and hypocrisy. The "leaven" metaphor powerfully illustrates how a small amount of error or ungodly attitude can permeate and corrupt an entire system of belief or a community. The leaven of the Pharisees represents legalism and self-righteousness, while the leaven of the Sadducees embodies skepticism and worldly rationalism, both of which fundamentally undermine the kingdom of God. This passage also reinforces the authority of Jesus as the ultimate revealer of truth, capable of exposing the spiritual blindness of even the most esteemed religious leaders.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jesus employs a powerful Metaphor in this verse, comparing the doctrines and influences of the Pharisees and Sadducees to "leaven." Just as a small amount of yeast permeates and transforms an entire batch of dough, so too can subtle, corrupting teachings or attitudes spread throughout a community or individual's faith, altering its nature. This metaphor is effective because it draws on a common, relatable household item to illustrate a profound spiritual truth about pervasive influence. The phrase "Take heed and beware" functions as a strong Imperative, a direct command from Jesus, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the warning. This dual command underscores the necessity of active vigilance and caution. Furthermore, the passage utilizes Symbolism, where "leaven" acts as a symbol for spiritual corruption, hypocrisy, and false teaching, a common biblical motif (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' warning about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees is a profound theological statement about the nature of truth and error, and the constant need for spiritual vigilance within the community of faith. It teaches that spiritual corruption often begins subtly, like yeast, but has the power to permeate and distort the entire spiritual life of an individual or a church. The leaven of the Pharisees represents a self-righteous legalism that prioritizes human tradition and outward performance over genuine heart transformation and God's grace, effectively nullifying the spirit of the law. The leaven of the Sadducees, conversely, embodies a dangerous skepticism and rationalism that denies supernatural truth, undermining faith in God's power and His revealed word. Both forms of "leaven" divert people from the true path of discipleship centered on Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' warning in Matthew 16:6 resonates powerfully with believers today, serving as an enduring call to spiritual discernment and purity. The "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, while specific to their historical context, represents timeless spiritual dangers: the temptation towards outward religiosity without inward transformation, the allure of human traditions over divine truth, and the subtle creep of skepticism that undermines faith in God's supernatural power and His Word. We are called to examine our own hearts and the teachings we embrace, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the authentic gospel of grace, not in legalistic performance or worldly cynicism. Just as a small amount of leaven can affect an entire loaf, so too can seemingly minor compromises or unexamined beliefs subtly corrupt our spiritual walk. This passage compels us to cultivate a robust understanding of Scripture, a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a discerning spirit that can identify and reject influences that would steer us away from genuine devotion to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly did Jesus mean by "leaven" in this context?
Answer: In Matthew 16:6, Jesus uses "leaven" metaphorically to represent the pervasive, corrupting influence of the doctrines, teachings, and attitudes of the Pharisees and Sadducees. It's not about literal yeast or bread. For the Pharisees, their "leaven" was primarily their hypocrisy, legalism, and self-righteousness, which prioritized human traditions and outward show over genuine heart transformation and God's mercy (Matthew 23:23-28). For the Sadducees, their "leaven" was their skepticism, worldly rationalism, and denial of supernatural truths like the resurrection and angels (Acts 23:8), which undermined faith in God's power. Jesus warns His disciples because these influences, though seemingly small, could subtly spread and corrupt their faith and the nascent Christian movement.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' warning about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in His very person and teaching, which stand in stark contrast to the corrupting influences He condemned. He is the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering true spiritual nourishment that purifies rather than corrupts. Unlike the legalism of the Pharisees, Jesus taught a righteousness that comes from within, emphasizing mercy, justice, and faithfulness, fulfilling the law not by abolishing it but by perfectly embodying its spirit (Matthew 5:17). His life demonstrated genuine humility and compassion, exposing the hypocrisy that burdened people with rules while neglecting their spiritual needs. Against the Sadducees' skepticism and denial of the resurrection, Jesus definitively proclaimed and demonstrated the reality of the resurrection through His own triumph over death (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He is the truth that dispels all worldly rationalism and the power that transcends human limitation. In Christ, believers find the antidote to all forms of spiritual "leaven"—His pure doctrine, His transformative grace, and His unwavering truth provide the foundation for a faith uncorrupted by human error or self-righteousness.