Luke 12:1
In the meantime ( εν οις ). It is a classic idiom to start a sentence or even a paragraph as here with a relative, "in which things or circumstances," without any expressed antecedent other than the incidents in 11:53f. In 12:3 Luke actually begins the sentence with two relatives ανθ' ων οσα (wherefore whatsoever).Many thousands ( μυριαδων ). Genitive absolute with επισυναχθεισων (first aorist passive participle feminine plural because of μυριαδων ), a double compound late verb, επισυναγω, to gather together unto. The word "myriads" is probably hyperbolical as in Ac 21:20, but in the sense of ten thousand, as in Ac 19:19, it means a very large crowd apparently drawn together by the violent attacks of the rabbis against Jesus.
Insomuch that they trode one upon another ( ωστε καταπατειν αλληλους ). The imagination must complete the picture of this jam.
Unto his disciples first of all ( προς τους μαθητας αυτου πρωτον ). This long discourse in Lu 12 is really a series of separate talks to various groups in the vast crowds around Jesus. This particular talk goes through verse 12.
Beware of ( προσεχετε εαυτοις απο ). Put your mind ( νουν understood) for yourselves (dative) and avoid ( απο with the ablative).
The leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy ( της ζυμης ητις εστιν υποχρισις των Φαρισαιων ). In Mr 8:15 Jesus had coupled the lesson of the Pharisees with that of Herod, in Mt 16:6 with that of the Sadducees also. He had long ago called the Pharisees hypocrites (Mt 6:2, 5, 16). The occasion was ripe here for this crisp saying. In Mt 13:33 leaven does not have an evil sense as here, which see. See Mt 23:13 for hypocrites. Hypocrisy was the leading Pharisaic vice (Bruce) and was a mark of sanctity to hide an evil heart.
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