Matthew 16:8

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 16:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?
Matthew 16:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Which when Jesus perceived, etc.] Without hearing any of their debates, but by his omniscience; for he knew the doubts and unbelief, and anxious solicitude of their minds, as well as their private reasonings one with another: he said unto them, O ye of little faith; a phrase used upon a like occasion, when he would dissuade his disciples from an anxious distressing care about a livelihood, (<400630>Matthew 6:30 See Gill “<400630>Matthew 6:30”): why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? blaming one another for your negligence and forgetfulness in this matter; distressing your minds, as if you should be famished and starved, because ye have not brought a quantity of…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The account in these verses is also recorded in Mark 8:13-21. Matthew 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side - That is, to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Mark says that he entered into a ship again, and departed to the other side. The conversation with the Pharisees and Sadducees had been on the western side of the Sea of Galilee. See the notes at Matthew 15:39. They crossed from that side again to the east. Had forgotten to take bread - That is, had forgotten to lay in a sufficient supply. They had, it seems, not more than one loaf, Mark 8:14. Matthew 16:6-11 Take heed ... - That is, be cautious, be on your guard. The leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees - Leaven is…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Why reason ye - Why are you troubled about this? Am I not able, if need so require, to supply you by a word? Matthew 16:11”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when: Joh 2:24, Joh 2:25, Joh 16:30; Heb 4:13; Rev 2:23 O ye: Mat 6:30, Mat 8:26, Mat 14:31; Mar 16:14 Matthew 16:9”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification