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⇱ Luke 13:21 It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened."

Bible > Luke > Chapter 13 > Verse 21
◄ Luke 13:21 ►
New International Version
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

New Living Translation
It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

English Standard Version
It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”

Berean Standard Bible
It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”

Berean Literal Bible
It is like to leaven, which a woman, having taken, hid in three measures of meal, until it all was leavened."

King James Bible
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

New King James Version
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

New American Standard Bible
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three sata of flour until it was all leavened.”

NASB 1995
“It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”

NASB 1977
“It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened.”

Legacy Standard Bible
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three sata of flour until it was all leavened.”

Amplified Bible
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three peck measures of flour until it was all leavened.”

Christian Standard Bible
It’s like leaven that a woman took and mixed into fifty pounds of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It’s like yeast that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds of flour until it spread through the entire mixture.”

American Standard Version
It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.

Contemporary English Version
It is like what happens when a woman mixes yeast into three batches of flour. Finally, all the dough rises."

English Revised Version
It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It's like yeast that a woman mixed into a large amount of flour until the yeast worked its way through all the dough."

Good News Translation
It is like this. A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises."

International Standard Version
It's like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."

NET Bible
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the dough had risen."

New Heart English Bible
It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."

Webster's Bible Translation
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Weymouth New Testament
It is like yeast which a woman takes and buries in a bushel of flour, to work there till the whole is leavened."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”

World English Bible
It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
It is like leaven, which a woman, having taken, hid in three measures of meal, until all was leavened.”

Berean Literal Bible
It is like to leaven, which a woman, having taken, hid in three measures of meal, until it all was leavened."

Young's Literal Translation
It is like leaven, which a woman, having taken, did hide in three measures of meal, till that all was leavened.'

Smith's Literal Translation
It is like leaven, which a woman having taken, hid in three measures of wheaten flour, until the whole was leavened.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of fine wheat flour, until it was entirely leavened.”

New American Bible
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed [in] with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

New Revised Standard Version
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is like the leaven which a woman took and buried in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three 3-gallon measures of flour until all of it was fermented.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till the whole was leavened.
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Leaven
20Again He asked, “To what can I compare the kingdom of God? 21It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” 22Then Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:33
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”

Galatians 5:9
A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.

1 Corinthians 5:6
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?

Matthew 16:11-12
How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” / Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Mark 8:15
“Watch out!” He cautioned them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod.”

Exodus 12:15-20
For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. / On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly, and another on the seventh day. You must not do any work on those days, except to prepare the meals—that is all you may do. / So you are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. You must keep this day as a permanent statute for the generations to come. ...

Leviticus 23:17
Bring two loaves of bread from your dwellings as a wave offering, each made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with leaven, as the firstfruits to the LORD.

Hosea 7:4
They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by a baker who needs not stoke the fire from the kneading to the rising of the dough.

1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

Romans 11:16
If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Matthew 13:31-32
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. / Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

Mark 4:30-32
Then He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it? / It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. / But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.”

Genesis 18:6
So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.”

Judges 6:19
So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak.

1 Samuel 28:24
The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.


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 the whole was leavened.

till.

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

Psalm 92:13,14
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God…

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Jump to Previous
Amount Buries Bushel Dough Flour Hid Hide Leavened Meal Measures Mixed Pecks Three Whole Work Worked Yeast
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Amount Buries Bushel Dough Flour Hid Hide Leavened Meal Measures Mixed Pecks Three Whole Work Worked Yeast
Luke 13
1. Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.
6. The fruitless fig tree may not stand.
10. He heals the crooked woman;
18. shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed,
20. and of leaven;
22. exhorts to enter in at the strait gate;
31. and reproves Herod and Jerusalem.














It is like leaven
Leaven, or yeast, is often used in Scripture as a symbol of influence, both positive and negative. In this context, it represents the transformative power of the Kingdom of God. Leaven's ability to permeate and change the dough parallels how the Kingdom can transform individuals and societies. In other biblical passages, such as 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, leaven symbolizes sin and corruption, but here it highlights growth and expansion.

that a woman took
The mention of a woman is significant, as women were often responsible for baking in ancient Jewish culture. This detail emphasizes the everyday nature of the Kingdom's work, occurring in ordinary settings and through ordinary people. It also reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, which often elevated the roles of women.

and mixed into three measures of flour
Three measures of flour is a substantial amount, approximately 50 pounds, indicating the abundance and sufficiency of God's Kingdom. This quantity would have been enough to feed a large group, symbolizing the Kingdom's capacity to nourish and sustain many. The use of three measures may also have symbolic significance, as the number three often represents completeness or divine perfection in Scripture.

until all of it was leavened
The leaven's complete permeation of the flour illustrates the pervasive and inevitable spread of the Kingdom of God. This transformation is gradual but certain, reflecting the nature of spiritual growth and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes. This concept is echoed in other parables, such as the mustard seed (Luke 13:18-19), which also emphasizes the Kingdom's expansive growth from small beginnings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of the parable, using everyday imagery to convey spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God.

2. The Woman
Represents an ordinary person engaging in a common task, symbolizing the transformative power of the Kingdom.

3. Yeast (Leaven)
A small agent that causes significant change, symbolizing the pervasive and transformative nature of the Kingdom of God.

4. Three Measures of Flour
A large quantity of flour, indicating the extensive influence of the Kingdom.

5. The Kingdom of God
The central theme of Jesus' teaching, depicted as a growing and transformative force.
Teaching Points
The Transformative Power of the Kingdom
Just as yeast transforms dough, the Kingdom of God transforms lives and societies from within.

The Subtle and Pervasive Nature of God's Work
The Kingdom often works quietly and unseen, yet its impact is profound and far-reaching.

The Role of Individuals in God's Kingdom
Like the woman in the parable, believers are called to be agents of transformation in the world.

The Importance of Small Beginnings
Small acts of faith and obedience can lead to significant spiritual growth and influence.

The Holistic Influence of the Gospel
The Gospel permeates every aspect of life, bringing about comprehensive change.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 13:21?

2. How does Luke 13:21 illustrate the transformative power of God's kingdom in us?

3. What does the leaven in Luke 13:21 symbolize about spiritual growth?

4. How can we apply the message of Luke 13:21 in our daily lives?

5. What Old Testament passages connect with the imagery of leaven in Luke 13:21?

6. How does Luke 13:21 encourage us to influence our communities for Christ?

7. What does the parable of leaven in Luke 13:21 symbolize about the Kingdom of God?

8. How does Luke 13:21 illustrate the transformative power of faith in a believer's life?

9. Why is leaven used as a metaphor in Luke 13:21, given its negative connotations elsewhere?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 13?

11. What does 'Leaven of the Pharisees' mean?

12. Luke 13:10-17: Can the instantaneous healing of a crippled woman be reconciled with known medical or scientific evidence?

13. If Isaiah 2:2-3 indicates all peoples will stream to the Lord's mountain, how do we reconcile this with other faiths continuing to flourish?

14. What does 'a little leaven leavens the whole lump' mean?
What Does Luke 13:21 Mean
It is like leaven

• Jesus says, “It is like leaven” (Luke 13:21). The comparison is to the unseen, living power of yeast.

• Leaven works quietly yet relentlessly; it cannot be stopped once it starts (Mark 4:26-29).

• The kingdom may appear small, but its influence is alive and active (Luke 17:20-21).

that a woman took

• The woman represents ordinary, everyday believers—people God gladly uses (Acts 2:17-18).

• Her simple act echoes other faithful women who served God within their homes, such as the widow who fed Elijah (1 Kings 17:9-16) and Mary of Bethany who anointed Jesus (John 12:3).

• The kingdom spreads through humble obedience more than through worldly power (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

and mixed into three measures of flour

• Three measures (about fifty pounds) recall Abraham’s hospitality when Sarah prepared “three measures of fine flour” for the heavenly visitors (Genesis 18:6). Large quantity signals abundance and generosity.

• The leaven is intentionally “mixed” deep within the dough; God plants His word inside hearts (James 1:21).

• Though hidden, the process affects every particle, just as the gospel penetrates every culture (Colossians 1:6).

until all of it was leavened

• The leaven works “until all” is changed—Jesus promises complete, not partial, victory (Philippians 1:6).

• No corner of the dough is untouched; one day “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14).

• Evil cannot reverse the work; the kingdom’s advance is certain (Matthew 16:18).

summary

Luke 13:21 assures us that God’s kingdom, though often small and unseen at the outset, is alive with unstoppable power. Like leaven in a massive batch of dough, the gospel in the hands of ordinary believers permeates every sphere of life until the whole creation is transformed.

Verse 21. - It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. The first of these two little parables of the kingdom, "the mustard seed," portrayed its strangely rapid growth. The second, "the leaven," treats of the mighty inward transformation which the kingdom of God will effect in the hearts of men and women. Chemically speaking, leaven is a lump of sour dough in which putrefaction has begun, and, on being introduced into a far greater mass of fresh dough, produces by contagion a similar condition into the greater bulk with which it comes in contact. The result of the contact, however, is that the mass of dough, acted upon by the little lump of leaven, becomes a wholesome, agreeable food for men. It was a singularly striking and powerful simile, this little commonplace comparison, and exactly imaged the future progress of "the kingdom." Quietly, silently, the doctrine of the Master made its way into the hearts and homes of men. "He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets" (Matthew 12:19). None on earth would have dared hint at the future success of the doctrine of the Master during the Master's life, and his death seemed as though it would effectually crush out the last feeble spark of life. The apparent result of his work was the devotion of a few simple hearts, mostly of fishermen, artisans, and the like, and yet, though men suspected it not, the secret and powerful influence was already at work among men. The story of the years succeeding the cross and the Resurrection, on a broader stage and with more actors, was a story of similar silent, quiet working. In a century and a half after the strange leaven-parable had been spoken, the whole civilized world knew something of the Master's history and doctrine. His disciples then were counted by tens of thousands. No city, scarcely a village, but contained some into whose hearts the teaching had sunk, whose lives the teaching had changed. In three measures of meal. Perhaps referring here to the well-known division of man into body, soul, and spirit. More likely, however, the number 3 is used as the symbol of completeness, signifying that the Divine purpose was then influencing the whole mass of mankind. Till the whole was leavened. It would seem as though the Master looked on to a definite time when all nations should come and worship him, and acknowledge his glorious sovereignty. If this be the case, then a very long period still remains to be lived through by the world; many kingdoms must rise and fall, new civilizations spring up, before that day of joy and gladness dawns upon the globe - that is, reasoning on the analogy of the past. Be this, however, as it may, the drift of both these parables of the kingdom distinctly points to a slow yet a progressive development of true religion. Very different, indeed, was the Jewish conception of Messiah's kingdom. They expected a rapid and brilliant metamorphosis of the then unhappy state of things. They never dreamed of the slow and quiet movement Messiah's coming was to inaugurate. One thing is perfectly clear - the Speaker of these two parable-stories never contemplated a speedy return to earth. With strange exactness the last eighteen hundred and fifty years have been fulfilling the conditions of the two similes, and as yet, as far as man can see, they are not nearly complete.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
It is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

like
ὁμοία (homoia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3664: Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.

yeast
ζύμῃ (zymē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2219: Leaven, ferment, both lit. and met. Probably from zeo; ferment.

that
ἣν (hēn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

a woman
γυνὴ (gynē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

took
λαβοῦσα (labousa)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

[and] mixed
ἔκρυψεν (ekrypsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2928: To hide, conceal, lay up. A primary verb; to conceal.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

three
τρία (tria)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

measures
σάτα (sata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4568: A large measure equal to nearly three English gallons. Of Hebrew origin; a certain measure for things dry.

of flour
ἀλεύρου (aleurou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 224: Meal, flour. From aleo; flour.

until
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

all
ὅλον (holon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.

of it
οὗ (hou)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

was leavened.”
ἐζυμώθη (ezymōthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2220: To leaven, ferment. From zume; to cause to ferment.


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NT Gospels: Luke 13:21 It is like yeast which a woman (Luke Lu Lk)