1. IN THE meanwhile, when so many thousands of the people had gathered that they were trampling on one another, Jesus commenced by saying primarily to His disciples, Be on your guard against the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy [producing unrest and violent agitation].
2. Nothing is [so closely] covered up that it will not be revealed, or hidden that it will not be known.
3. Whatever you have spoken in the darkness shall be heard and listened to in the light, and what you have whispered in [people's] ears and behind closed doors will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
4. I tell you, My friends, do not dread and be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do.
5. But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him!
6. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten or uncared for in the presence of God.
7. But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.