King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:33 Mean?

Matthew 13:33 in the King James Version says “Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three meas... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. measures: the word in the Greek is a measure containing about a peck and a half, wanting a little more than a pint

Matthew 13:33 · KJV


Context

31

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

32

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

33

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. measures: the word in the Greek is a measure containing about a peck and a half, wanting a little more than a pint

34

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' parable 'The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened' presents the kingdom's permeating influence. Leaven (yeast) works invisibly, gradually, internally, and completely transforms the dough. This teaches the kingdom's transforming power in individuals and society—small beginnings produce total transformation. 'Three measures' is an enormous amount (about 50 pounds), suggesting worldwide impact.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Leaven usually symbolizes sin in Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:6-8), but here represents the kingdom's spreading influence. The woman mixing leaven into meal was common daily activity. The parable's point is the transformation process—small catalyst producing comprehensive change.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced the kingdom's gradual but transforming work in your life?
  2. What areas of your life still need the kingdom's 'leavening' influence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἄλλην1 of 23

Another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

παραβολὴν2 of 23

parable

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

ἐλάλησεν3 of 23

spake he

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτοῖς·4 of 23

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ὁμοία5 of 23

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἐστὶν6 of 23

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

7 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία8 of 23

The kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν9 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν10 of 23

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ζύμῃ11 of 23

unto leaven

G2219

ferment (as if boiling up)

οὗ12 of 23

was

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λαβοῦσα13 of 23

took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

γυνὴ14 of 23

a woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐνέκρυψεν15 of 23

and hid

G1470

to conceal in, i.e., incorporate with

εἰς16 of 23

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀλεύρου17 of 23

of meal

G224

flour

σάτα18 of 23

measures

G4568

a certain measure for things dry

τρία19 of 23

three

G5140

"three"

ἕως20 of 23

till

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

οὗ21 of 23

was

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐζυμώθη22 of 23

leavened

G2220

to cause to ferment

ὅλον23 of 23

the whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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