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Mark 8:15

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 8:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.
Mark 8:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
13And he left them, and again entering into [the boat] departed to the other side.
14And they forgot to take bread; and they had not in the boat with them more than one loaf.
15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.
16And they reasoned one with another, saying, We have no bread.
17And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your heart hardened?
18Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
← Mark 8:14Mark 8:16 →
← Full Chapter 8 Mark Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he charged them, etc..] When they were in the ship, and had just recollected themselves, that they had took no care to bring any provisions with them: saying, take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees; and of the leaven of Herod: in Matthew, instead of “the leaven of Herod”, it is read, “the leaven of the Sadducees”: which are either the same, Herod and his courtiers being Sadducees, or favourers of them; or the Sadducees being sticklers for Herod, and his government, which the Pharisees had no good opinion of; or else distinct from one another; and so Christ cautions against the doctrines of the Pharisees, which regarded the traditions of the elders, and of the Sadducees,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in Matthew 16:1-12. Mark 8:12 Sighed deeply in his spirit - His heart was deeply affected at their wickedness and hypocrisy. The word “spirit” here is taken as the seat of the emotions, passions, affections. He drew groans deeply from his breast. No sign be given - That is, no such sign as they asked, to wit, a sign “from heaven.” He said a sign should be given, the same as was furnished by Jonas, Matthew 16:4. But this was not what they “asked,” nor would it be given “because” they asked it. Mark 8:15 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees - See Matthew 16:6. Of Herod - Of the Herodians - of Herod and his followers. Matthew, instead of “Herod,” has “the Sadducees.”…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod, or of the Sadducees; two opposite extremes. Mark 8:17”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:15 Matthew says that the yeast of the Pharisees refers to their false teaching (Matt 16:12). It could also refer to their unbelief and hardness of heart (Mark 8:10-13). The reference to Herod could point to his unwillingness to accept what he knew to be true (6:14, 16, 20).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he charged: Num 27:19-23; Ch1 28:9, Ch1 28:10, Ch1 28:20; Ti1 5:21, Ti1 6:13; Ti2 2:14 Take: Pro 19:27; Mat 16:6, Mat 16:11, Mat 16:12; Luk 12:1, Luk 12:2, Luk 12:15 the leaven of the: Exo 12:18-20; Lev 2:11; Co1 5:6-8 of Herod: Mar 12:13; Mat 22:15-18 Mark 8:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification