Luke 13:21
What does Luke 13:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 13:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 13:21 means
The kingdom of God is compared to leaven, or yeast, which a woman takes and mixes into a large quantity of flour—"three measures of meal." Though leaven is small, it silently and pervasively works its way through the entire dough until the whole mass is leavened. This illustrates the internal, transformative power of the kingdom, which, starting from a small point, will fully permeate and transform all it touches, representing its spiritual influence on hearts and societies.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.
KJV
King James Version · 1611It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is like leaven, which a woman put into three measures of meal, and it was all leavened.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862It is like leaven, which a woman, having taken, did hide in three measures of meal, till that all was leavened.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752It is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until the whole was leavened.
Context
Following the second introductory question about the kingdom of God in verse 20, Jesus provides the parable of the leaven. This parable offers a parallel but distinct illustration to the mustard seed, focusing on the kingdom's internal, pervasive, and transformative power. It shows how the kingdom subtly yet completely changes everything it comes into contact with, moving from external growth to internal spiritual influence, before Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.
- Matthew 13:33
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 it was all leavened.
- Psalms 92:13
They are planted in the house of Jehovah; They shall flourish in the courts of our God.
- Job 17:9
Yet shall the righteous hold on his way, And he that hath clean hands shall wax stronger and stronger.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 13
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 13.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Repentance
Repentance in the Bible is a turning away from sin and toward God, marked by a change of heart and action.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.