Matthew 13 33

Matthew 13:33 kjv

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Matthew 13:33 nkjv

Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."

Matthew 13:33 niv

He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough."

Matthew 13:33 esv

He told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."

Matthew 13:33 nlt

Jesus also used this illustration: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough."

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 33 Meaning

Matthew 13:33 is a parable, teaching about the nature and growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. It illustrates the kingdom's transformative, permeating power. Like leaven, which starts as a small agent but spreads throughout the entire dough to cause it to rise, the Kingdom of Heaven, despite its humble beginnings or unseen operation, will ultimately permeate and transform individuals, societies, and the entire world, leading to its complete spiritual and redemptive influence. It emphasizes a gradual, internal, and pervasive spread, rather than an immediate, visible, or forceful expansion.

Matthew 13 33 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is often called "the Parable Chapter," as Jesus teaches extensively about the Kingdom of Heaven using various parables. This specific parable of the Leaven is placed directly after the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mt 13:31-32), which also illustrates the Kingdom's humble beginnings leading to great, widespread growth. Together, they highlight two aspects: outward visible growth (Mustard Seed) and inward, subtle, pervasive transformation (Leaven). The historical and cultural context involves common household activities. Leaven (yeast) was well-understood as a tiny portion that dramatically affects an entire batch of dough. Jewish law also had strict rules regarding leaven, particularly its removal for Passover, symbolizing removal of sin. Jesus' use of leaven here, describing the positive spread of His Kingdom, contrasts with its frequent negative connotation in Jewish thought (and elsewhere in His own teachings about the "leaven of the Pharisees"), thereby subverting expectations and highlighting a specific, transformative characteristic of the Kingdom itself.

Matthew 13 33 Word analysis

• Another parable spoke he unto them;: Signifies a continuation of Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven. It indicates a fresh perspective or complementary aspect following previous parables in Matthew 13.
• The kingdom of heaven: (Greek: βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν, basileia tōn ouranōn). A central theme in Matthew's Gospel. It refers to God's redemptive reign and rule, initiated by Christ's coming and culminating in His final victory. It encompasses both the present spiritual reality of God's dominion in believers' hearts and the future consummation of His universal reign.
• is like unto leaven: (Greek: ζύμη, zymē). In other Biblical contexts, "leaven" often symbolizes negative pervasive influence like sin, false doctrine, or hypocrisy (e.g., Matt 16:6; 1 Cor 5:6). However, in this parable, the comparison is to the action and effect of leaven—its ability to thoroughly permeate and transform. The point is its pervasive and transformative power, not its inherent moral quality in this specific context.
• which a woman took: (Greek: γυνή, gynē, and λαβοῦσα, labousa "taking"). The identity of the "woman" has various interpretations: some see her as God, divine Wisdom, the Church, or simply a generic domestic figure illustrating a universal truth. She is the active agent in applying the leaven.
• and hid: (Greek: ἐνέκρυψεν, enekrypsen, meaning "to conceal, hide in, mix in"). This suggests a subtle, internal, often unseen or unnoticed work. The Kingdom does not always expand with dramatic displays but often works inwardly and gradually.
• in three measures of meal: (Greek: εἰς ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία, eis aleurou sata tria). A "saton" (σάτον) was a large ancient measure, roughly equivalent to 13-14 liters or about half a bushel, weighing around 50 pounds of flour. "Three measures" is a significant quantity—enough flour to feed a large family or a community for a considerable period (approx. 100-150 lbs of flour). This large quantity underscores the immense, pervasive scope of the Kingdom's influence and eventual transformation. It may also echo Old Testament generosity (e.g., Abraham's hospitality in Gen 18:6).
• till the whole was leavened: (Greek: ἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον, heōs hou ezumōthē holon). This indicates the complete and thorough permeation and transformation. The leaven doesn't stop until its work is done, signifying the ultimate and complete triumph of the Kingdom's influence throughout creation.

• "Kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven": This pairing immediately signals that the focus is on how the Kingdom operates and spreads, rather than the intrinsic nature of the Kingdom being morally akin to yeast in its common negative biblical symbolism. It's an analogy of dynamic, pervasive growth from within.
• "hid in three measures of meal": This phrase emphasizes the inward, subtle, and profound nature of the Kingdom's impact. It suggests that the Kingdom's transformative power works within the fabric of humanity and society, often unseen until its effects become manifest throughout the "lump." The "three measures" highlight the comprehensiveness and vastness of its intended reach.
• "till the whole was leavened": This speaks to the ultimate and total victory of the Kingdom. The process, once initiated, is relentless and complete. It points to a final state of comprehensive transformation and permeation, underscoring the sovereignty and efficacy of God's redemptive plan.

Matthew 13 33 Bonus section

• Contrasting Symbolic Use of Leaven: While this parable uses leaven positively to illustrate its permeating power for the Kingdom's growth, it's crucial to note that elsewhere, Jesus and the apostles use "leaven" as a symbol for negative pervasive influences, such as the corrupting doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Mt 16:6-12; Mk 8:15) or the insidious nature of sin and wickedness (1 Cor 5:6-8; Gal 5:9). This highlights that a symbol's meaning in a parable is determined by the specific aspect it intends to illustrate. Here, it is the process of transformation and expansion, not the inherent nature of the leaven itself.
• The Unseen Work of God: This parable strongly emphasizes the hidden, internal, and often unobservable working of God's Kingdom. This divine methodology challenges the world's focus on external grandeur or immediate visible results. It reinforces that genuine spiritual growth and influence often begin small and unfold incrementally behind the scenes.
• Practical Application: Believers are agents of this leaven-like Kingdom. Their witness, prayer, acts of righteousness, and adherence to Gospel truth, even if seemingly small or insignificant, contribute to the pervasive spiritual transformation God is effecting in the world, bringing light into darkness, and changing hearts and lives.

Matthew 13 33 Commentary

The Parable of the Leaven beautifully illustrates the transformative and pervasive power of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a story of subtle yet profound influence, highlighting how God's spiritual reign works not always through overt power displays, but through internal, pervasive change. A small, seemingly insignificant element, the leaven, infiltrates and alters the entire dough. Similarly, the Kingdom of Heaven, despite starting with Jesus and a handful of disciples, possesses an inherent, spiritual dynamic that progressively spreads its influence. It operates within hearts, transforming individuals from the inside out, and then extends its spiritual effects outward to families, communities, and eventually the entire world. This process is gradual and unseen in its early stages ("hid"), but its effect is sure and total ("till the whole was leavened"). It contrasts with human expectations of a sudden, conquering kingdom, revealing instead God's patient yet potent method of bringing His will to fruition. The parable serves as an encouragement that even small, seemingly hidden acts of faithfulness within the Kingdom contribute to a global, encompassing transformation.