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Matthew 16

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

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.

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

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

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

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

Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

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?

Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

What does Matthew 16:8 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 16:8 presents a moment where Jesus addresses his disciples' lack of faith.

The verse captures a scenario where the disciples were discussing among themselves the fact that they had forgotten to bring bread.

Jesus, aware of their concern, questions their reasoning, highlighting their "little faith" and questioning why they are preoccupied with material needs when they have witnessed his divine provisions before.

This verse suggests a deeper lesson about trust in God's provision and the importance of prioritizing spiritual understanding over mundane worries.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience and is rich with Jewish tradition and Old Testament references.

During the time of Jesus, bread was a staple food and often represented sustenance and life.

The historical context of this passage is Jesus's ministry in Galilee, having recently performed the miracle of feeding the multitudes with few loaves and fishes.

The disciples' concern about not having bread right after witnessing a miracle of abundance highlights their struggle to internalize the deeper meaning of Jesus's works and teachings.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is often seen by various Christian traditions as emphasizing faith in God's providential care.

It is viewed as a call to trust in God beyond the immediate and the material, and to understand the symbolic nature of Jesus's miracles.

Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox interpretations may diverge in some respects, but generally align on the principle of faith as trust in divine care and providence.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can serve as a reminder to not get overly preoccupied with daily provisions and material concerns, but instead, to focus on spiritual growth and trust in divine provision.

It teaches that one's faith should not waver due to momentary lapses or challenges but should be steadfast, recalling past experiences of fulfillment and divine intervention.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:30-34 - Jesus discusses faith and worry, advising against anxiety over daily needs.
Matthew 8:26 - Jesus questions the faith of his disciples during a storm at sea.
Matthew 14:31 - Jesus again speaks of "little faith" in the context of Peter walking on water.
Luke 12:28 - Similar teaching on faith and God's provision with reference to the lilies of the field.

Language Study

The key term in this verse is "ολιγοπιστία" (oligopistia), which translates to "little faith" or "of little faith." This term combines "oligo," meaning "small" or "little," and "pistis," meaning "faith" or "trust." Jesus is specifically calling out the disciples' lack of trust.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths, there is a reoccurring theme of individuals demonstrating a lack of trust in their deities or failing to interpret signs correctly.

Comparatively, in this scripture, Jesus's reaction to the disciples' behavior can be viewed as an attempt to correct their misunderstanding of his divine nature and teach them to look beyond the physical evidence to spiritual truth, a concept shared across various religious teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly relate to scientific concepts, it does touch upon human psychology and behavior.

Contemporary psychology might examine the disciples' preoccupation with material needs as a cognitive bias toward immediate concerns, contrasting with the higher-level thinking processes involved in abstract faith and trust.

Commentaries

Commentators have variously interpreted Matthew 16:8.

William Barclay notes that Jesus is calling his disciples to remember the miracles and understand their spiritual significance.

John Calvin comments on the human tendency to forget God's past provisions and worry about the future.

Matthew Henry emphasizes that care for the body must not outshine care for the soul.

Modern commentators echo these themes, noting the perennial human challenge of balancing material needs with spiritual faith.

Matthew 16

Matthew 16

What does Matthew 16:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 16:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?