King James Version

What Does Matthew 16:6 Mean?

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 · KJV


Context

4

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.

5

And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6

Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8

Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
  2. How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
  3. What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 15

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν4 of 15

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 15

unto them

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

Ὁρᾶτε6 of 15

Take heed

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

καὶ7 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσέχετε8 of 15

beware

G4337

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

ἀπὸ9 of 15

of

G575

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

τῆς10 of 15
G3588

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

ζύμης11 of 15

the leaven

G2219

ferment (as if boiling up)

τῶν12 of 15
G3588

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

Φαρισαίων13 of 15

of the Pharisees

G5330

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

καὶ14 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σαδδουκαίων15 of 15

of the Sadducees

G4523

a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study