New Testament
Luke 13:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to yeast, which is a small but powerful agent that causes dough to rise.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
It's like yeast that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until the whole was leavened.
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to yeast, which is a small but powerful agent that causes dough to rise. The woman hides the yeast in three measures of flour, illustrating how the Kingdom starts small but can grow and influence everything around it. Just as yeast permeates the entire batch of flour, the Kingdom of God can transform lives and communities. This metaphor emphasizes the hidden yet transformative power of God's work in the world. The process may take time, but the eventual outcome is significant and far-reaching. The use of 'three measures of flour' suggests abundance, indicating that the impact of the Kingdom is not just limited but expansive, affecting many. This teaching encourages believers to recognize the subtle yet profound ways God's Kingdom is at work, often unnoticed, but ultimately leading to a great transformation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 13:21 to your life
As believers, we should be aware of the small ways God's Kingdom is at work in our lives and communities. We can trust that even our small acts of faith and kindness can lead to significant changes. Embrace the transformative power of God in everyday situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the yeast represent in Luke 13:21?
In Luke 13:21, the yeast symbolizes the Kingdom of God. Just as yeast is a small but powerful agent that causes dough to rise, the Kingdom of God starts small but has the potential to grow and influence everything around it. This metaphor highlights the transformative power of God's work in the world, showing how it can permeate lives and communities.
Why did Jesus use the example of a woman hiding yeast?
Jesus used the example of a woman hiding yeast to illustrate the hidden yet impactful nature of the Kingdom of God. The act of hiding the yeast signifies how God's work often goes unnoticed at first, but eventually leads to significant transformation. This also emphasizes the role of individuals in nurturing and spreading God's influence in their surroundings.
What does 'three measures of flour' signify in this verse?
The phrase 'three measures of flour' signifies abundance and suggests that the impact of the Kingdom of God is not limited but expansive. It indicates that God's transformative power can affect many lives and communities, leading to a far-reaching influence that goes beyond initial appearances.
How can I apply the message of Luke 13:21 in my life?
To apply the message of Luke 13:21, be mindful of the small ways God's Kingdom is at work in your life and community. Recognize that even minor acts of faith, kindness, or service can lead to significant changes. Trust in the transformative power of God, and embrace opportunities to make a positive impact, knowing that these efforts can grow and influence others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.