Matthew 16:5

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 The disciples crossed over to the other side of the lake. They had forgotten to take 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, 'Today it will be stormy. The sky is red and cloudy.' You know the meaning of what you see in the sky. But you can't understand the signs of what is happening right now.

4 An evil and unfaithful people look for a miraculous sign. But none will be given to them except the sign of Jonah." Then Jesus left them and went away.

5 The disciples crossed over to the other side of the lake. They had forgotten to take bread.

6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

7 The disciples talked about this among themselves. They said, "He must be saying this because we didn't bring any bread."