King James Version
Matthew 16:6 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:6 · King James Version
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
“unto them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“Take heed”
G3708by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“beware”
G4337(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
“of”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“of the Pharisees”
G5330a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“of the Sadducees”
G4523a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 16:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge