Matthew 16:6

Matthew 16:6. The leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ‘Leaven; ‘figure for a permeating spiritual influence, generally an evil one (comp, however chap. Matthew 13:33). Their want of bread made the illustration apt. They were now withdrawing, both bodily and spiritually, from the Jews; hence there is probably a reference to Exodus 12:15-17; comp. 1 Corinthians 5:7. The two opposing sects are here connected (comp. Matthew 16:1); Mark, however (Mark 8:15), substitutes ‘the leaven of Herod.' The Sadducees had already joined the Pharisees in opposing Christ, and Herod may have been in some alliance with them. Politicians often coquet with religious parties.