New Testament
Matthew 13:33
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He shared another parable with them: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman hid in three measures of flour until it worked all the way through the dough."
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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.
What Matthew 13:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to yeast, which is a small but powerful ingredient 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 dough, the kingdom of heaven spreads and transforms lives and communities. This parable emphasizes the unseen yet significant impact of God's kingdom in the world. It shows that even small acts of faith can lead to great changes, encouraging believers to trust in the gradual yet powerful work of God in their lives and in society. The imagery of yeast also suggests that the kingdom is not always visible at first, but its effects are undeniable as it works through individuals and groups, ultimately leading to a larger transformation.
How to apply Matthew 13:33 to your life
This parable encourages us to recognize the potential of small actions in our faith journey. Just as yeast transforms dough, our faith can influence those around us. We should be patient and trust that God is working through us, even when we can't see immediate results.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Matthew 13:33
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 13:33 mean?
Matthew 13:33 compares the kingdom of heaven to yeast that a woman hides in flour. This illustrates how the kingdom starts small but can grow and influence everything around it, emphasizing the transformative power of faith.
What is the meaning of yeast in Matthew 13:33?
In Matthew 13:33, yeast symbolizes the kingdom of heaven, showing that even a small amount can have a significant impact. It highlights how God's kingdom can spread and transform lives, much like yeast permeates dough.
How does Matthew 13:33 relate to faith?
Matthew 13:33 illustrates that faith, like yeast, can start small but has the potential to grow and affect others. It encourages believers to trust in the gradual work of God in their lives and communities.
What themes are present in Matthew 13:33?
Key themes in Matthew 13:33 include the kingdom of heaven, transformation, growth, and the influence of small beginnings. The parable emphasizes how small acts of faith can lead to significant changes.
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