Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

The general thrust of this parable is the same as that of the mustard seed. The kingdom produces ultimate consequences out of all proportion to its insignificant beginnings.

If there is a distinction between this parable and the last one, it is that the mustard seed suggests extensive growth and the yeast intensive transformation. The yeast doesn’t grow, it permeates; and its inevitable effect, despite the small quantity used, recalls 5:13. In both parables it is clear that at present the kingdom of heaven operates, but quietly and from small beginnings.