Matthew 13:33
What does Matthew 13:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:33 means
Jesus compares the kingdom to leaven a woman hides in three measures of meal until it leavens the whole. Leaven symbolizes a small, hidden influence that permeates and transforms the whole batch. The parable teaches that the kingdom works internally and subtly—through discipleship, teaching, and the Spirit—altering culture and hearts from within. The hidden, patient work results in comprehensive change. The woman’s quiet, persistent action pictures how divine influence often operates beneath the surface until the change is complete.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Another 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Another 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Another 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Another story he gave to them: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took, and put in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Another simile spake he to them: `The reign of the heavens is like to leaven, which a woman having taken, hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Another parable he spoke to them: The kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He spoke another parable to them: The kingdom of the heavens is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it had been all leavened.
Context
Following the mustard seed’s visible growth, this parable highlights invisible, pervasive transformation. Together the images show different aspects of kingdom expansion: dramatic visibility and subtle internal change. The next verse summarizes Jesus’ parabolic teaching to the crowds and links it to prophecy.
v.32which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof.
v.33This passage
v.34All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 18:6
And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.
- Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
- Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
- 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.
- Hosea 6:3
And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.
- Job 17:9
Yet shall the righteous hold on his way, And he that hath clean hands shall wax stronger and stronger.
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