Charles Spurgeon Commentary 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 it was all leavened." — Matthew 13:33 (ASV)

Many commentators argue that this relates to the power of evil in the Church or in the heart. On this interpretation, we see why a woman took the leaven, and why she was so secretive about it, for it is said she hid it. According to the rule observed in the use of this symbol, leaven must be taken as the type of evil, and if the rule must be applied in this case, the teaching is obvious and valuable. The leaven soon began its corrupting influence in the Church, and it continues, in one form or another, still working.

But the connection does not lead us to interpret it this way. The parable begins with the same words as the other, The kingdom of heaven is like, and there is not a word to warn us that the theme is changed and that our Lord is not now speaking of the kingdom itself, but of evil in the kingdom. Moreover, our Lord does not say, shall be like, but is like, referring, therefore, to something then in operation, and we really fail to see that the woman had then hidden the leaven, much less hidden it in three measures of meal, that is to say, in a large Church. Is not leaven here used simply as another picture of an influence which appears feeble, but turns out to be active, conquering, and ultimately all-pervading? This, though hidden in obscurity, in the midst of nations comparable to three measures of meal, worked with a mysterious rapidity and will still continue to work in the whole mass of the world, and subdue the nations to itself. Let our friends take their choice of the two interpretations and learn a good lesson from either or both. From evil leaven, may the Lord preserve us. By holy influences, may we all be worked upon!

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.

And although leaven is usually the symbol of evil, yet it may be here a fair representation of the kingdom of heaven itself, for it operates mysteriously and secretly, yet powerfully, until it permeates the whole of human nature; and the gospel will keep on winning its way until the whole world will eventually be leavened by it.

"More and more it spreads and grows,
Ever mighty to prevail."