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 (MKJV)
He spoke another parable to them: The kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until 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.”
The Parable of the Leaven
The parable of the leaven (Matthew 13:33) illustrates how the gospel spreads gradually but powerfully, like leaven working through dough.
A woman took this leaven and hid it in three measures of meal. Ministers are employed in leavening places and souls with the gospel. The heart, like the meal, is soft and receptive when tender. The law grinds the heart, and the gospel leavens it. The meal must be kneaded before receiving leaven; hearts must be broken and prepared to receive the word. The leaven must be hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:11), not only for secrecy but for safety. Mary treasured Christ’s sayings (Luke 2:51).
Once hidden, the leaven works, fermenting the dough. The word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It works quickly yet gradually, silently yet strongly. The gospel, once introduced, cannot be stopped from spreading. The apostles planted a small amount of leaven in the world, which had a profound effect. The gospel spread, changing the world, not by force but by the Spirit.
In the heart, the gospel transforms. It does not change substance—the dough remains—but quality. It alters desires and perspectives (Romans 8:5). The change is universal, spreading to all faculties of the soul and even affecting the body (Romans 6:13). This change conforms the soul to the nature of the word, as dough takes on the leaven. Believers are molded into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
This change is insensible but inseparable; grace is a good part that will not be taken away. When the dough is leavened, it is ready for the oven; trials often accompany transformation, but they prepare saints for God’s table.