A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 12:1

"In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." — Luke 12:1 (ASV)

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 (Matthew 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.