King James Version

What Does Luke 12:1 Mean?

Luke 12:1 in the King James Version says “In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upo... — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

In 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.

Luke 12:1 · KJV


Context

1

In 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.

2

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

3

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy (προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων, ἥτις ἐστὶν ὑπόκρισις)—Jesus addresses an innumerable multitude (μυριάδων τοῦ ὄχλου, myriads of people) so dense they trampled one another, yet He speaks first of all to His disciples. The metaphor zymē (ζύμη, leaven/yeast) denotes something small that permeates and corrupts the whole batch of dough (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Galatians 5:9). Leaven represents the Pharisees' hypokrisis (ὑπόκρισις), from which we derive "hypocrisy"—literally play-acting, wearing a mask, pretending to be what one is not.

The Pharisees maintained outward religious correctness while harboring inward corruption. They tithed mint and cumin while neglecting justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23), cleaned the outside of the cup while full of greed within (Luke 11:39). Their religion was performance for human approval rather than genuine devotion to God. Jesus warns that this hypocrisy spreads like yeast—it starts small but eventually permeates entire communities, destroying authentic faith. The warning comes immediately after confrontation with Pharisees (Luke 11:37-54), emphasizing the danger of their influence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This discourse occurs in the context of growing opposition from religious leaders. Chapter 11 records Jesus' scathing denunciation of Pharisees and lawyers, pronouncing six woes upon them. The Pharisees began to oppose Him vehemently, seeking to catch Him in His words (Luke 11:53-54). Despite this hostility—or perhaps because of it—massive crowds gathered, creating dangerous conditions where people trampled each other. Jesus uses this teachable moment to warn disciples about the primary spiritual danger: not Roman persecution but religious hypocrisy. The Pharisaic system emphasized external conformity to hundreds of oral traditions while allowing internal corruption. This 'whitewashed tomb' religion (Matthew 23:27) appeared righteous outwardly but was dead within.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does hypocrisy function like leaven, starting small but eventually corrupting an entire community of faith?
  2. In what ways might contemporary Christians prioritize outward religious performance over inward heart transformation?
  3. Why does Jesus warn His disciples about Pharisaic hypocrisy before warning about persecution or other dangers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Ἐν1 of 27

In

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἷς2 of 27

the mean time

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπισυναχθεισῶν3 of 27

when there were gathered together

G1996

to collect upon the same place

τῶν4 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μυριάδων5 of 27

an innumerable multitude

G3461

a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number

τοῦ6 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλου7 of 27

of people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ὥστε8 of 27

insomuch that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

καταπατεῖν9 of 27

they trode

G2662

to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain

ἀλλήλους10 of 27

one upon another

G240

one another

ἤρξατο11 of 27

he began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λέγειν12 of 27

to say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πρὸς13 of 27

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς14 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὰς15 of 27

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ16 of 27
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πρῶτον17 of 27

first of all

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

Προσέχετε18 of 27

Beware

G4337

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

ἑαυτοῖς19 of 27

ye

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀπὸ20 of 27

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς21 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζύμης22 of 27

the leaven

G2219

ferment (as if boiling up)

τῶν23 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαίων24 of 27

of the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ἥτις25 of 27

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν26 of 27

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὑπόκρισις27 of 27

hypocrisy

G5272

acting under a feigned part, i.e., (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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