Book of Matthew - Chapter 16 - Verse 11

When Jesus said, "How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?" he was cautioning his disciples against the teachings and influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The leaven in this context symbolizes the corrupting influence of the religious leaders of the time, who were hypocritical and focused more on outward appearances rather than genuine faith. By warning his disciples to beware of their teachings, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of staying true to the principles of the kingdom of God and not being swayed by false teachings. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to discern and be vigilant against spiritual corruption and deception in order to stay faithful to God's truth.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and trying to make them understand a deeper spiritual truth rather than a literal one. The leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees is often interpreted as representing their teachings and hypocrisy. Leaven is typically seen as a symbol of sin and corruption in the Bible, and in this context, Jesus is warning his disciples to beware of the teachings and influence of the religious leaders of their time. By using the metaphor of leaven, Jesus is cautioning against the moral and spiritual dangers of false teachings and insincere religious practices. This verse highlights the importance of discernment and spiritual understanding, urging believers to be vigilant and discerning in their faith. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the need for believers to be rooted in the truth of God's word and to guard against the influence of false teachings and hypocrisy in their spiritual journey.