Matthew 16:5

Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 When the disciples arrived on the other side of the lake, they had forgotten to bring bread.

Matthew 16:5 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 16:5

When his disciples were come to the other side
Of the sea, as Munster's Hebrew Gospel adds, to Bethsaida, ( Mark 8:22 ) as they were either in the ship, or going from the shore to the said place, they recollected themselves,

that they had forgotten to take bread:
having but one loaf, as Mark says, in the ship; the seven baskets of fragments being either expended, or given away to the poor, of their own accord, or by Christ's orders. It seems, it was usual with the disciples to buy food at places most proper, and carry with them; since Christ often went into deserts and mountainous places, where provisions could not be had. This their forgetfulness to act according to their wonted method, might arise either from their being intent upon Christ's conversation with the Pharisees, and Sadducees, or from the suddenness of Christ's departure.

Matthew 16:5 In-Context

3 And in the morning you say, ‘There will be bad weather today because the sky is cloudy.' You know how to make sense of the sky's appearance. But you are unable to recognize the signs that point to what the time is.

4 An evil and unfaithful generation searches for a sign. But it won't receive any sign except Jonah's sign." Then he left them and went away.

5 When the disciples arrived on the other side of the lake, they had forgotten to bring bread.

6 Jesus said to them, "Watch out and be on your guard for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

7 They discussed this among themselves and said, "We didn't bring any bread."