In Matthew 13:33, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Leaven, stating the kingdom of heaven is like leaven a woman hid in three measures of meal until all was leavened. Spoken to multitudes, this parable reveals the kingdom's corruption, symbolizing how Israel's fellowship with God, recalling Abraham's meal in Genesis 18:6, became thoroughly debased by blending pagan beliefs and traditions from Babylonian captivity and Hellenism. The leaven represents pervasive false beliefs, rendering the nation spiritually corrupted and unresponsive to Christ. Positioned among parables like the Sower and Tares, it underscores the kingdom's decayed state, warning of a dominion overtaken by sin and misaligned beliefs, far from its pure beginnings. Also see sermons and articles about Parable of the Leaven.
Matthew 13:33 Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."
Luke 13:20-21 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."
Related Scriptures
Matthew 21:43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
Leviticus 2:11 "No grain offering which you bring to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the LORD made by fire.
Genesis 18:6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.”
Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."
Matthew 16:11-12 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Mark 8:15 Then He charged them, saying, 'Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.'
