Luke 13:21

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Luke 13:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

It is like leaven, which a woman put into three measures of meal, and it was all leavened.

Free Bible Version FBV

It's like yeast that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour which made the whole batch rise.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

It is like leauen, which a woman tooke, and hid in three peckes of floure, till all was leauened.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

It is like a little bit of yeast that a woman mixed with about 50 pounds of flour. That small amount of yeast made the whole batch of dough swell up.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 13:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Luke 13:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ομοια εστιν ζυμη ην λαβουσα γυνη ενεκρυψεν εις αλευρου σατα τρια εως ου εζυμωθη ολον

ομοια homoios G3664 like Adj-NSF

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

ζυμη zumē G2219 leaven Noun-DSF

ην hos, hē G3739 which Rel-ASF

λαβουσα lambanō G2983 to take Verb-2AAP-NSF

γυνη gunē G1135 woman Noun-NSF

ενεκρυψεν egkruptō G1470 to mix Verb-AAI-3S

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

αλευρου aleuron G224 flour Noun-GSN

σατα saton G4568 seah Noun-APN

τρια treis G5140 Three Adj-APN

εως heōs G2193 until Adv

ου hos, hē G3739 which Rel-GSM

εζυμωθη zumoō G2220 to leaven Verb-API-3S

ολον holos G3650 all Adj-NSN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 13:21

ομοια homoios G3664 "like" Adj-NSF

This word means similar in appearance or character, like something or someone else. It is used in John 9:9 and Revelation 1:13 to describe someone or something that resembles another. It can also describe a similarity in nature or condition.

Definition: ὅμοιος, -οία, -οιον [in LXX for כְּמוֹ, etc. ;] like, resembling, such as, the same as: with dative, of form or appearance, Jhn.9:9, Rev.1:13 (WH, mg., R, but see infr.) Rev.1:15 2:18 4:6-7 9:7, 10 (B1., § 37, 62) Rev_9:19; Rev_11:1; Rev_13:2; Rev_13:11; ὁράσει, Rev_4:3; of nature, condition, ability, etc., Mat_22:39, Act_17:29, Gal_5:21, 1Jn_3:2, Rev_13:4; Rev_18:18; Rev_21:11; Rev_21:18; of comparison in parables, Mat_13:31 ff. Mat_20:1, Luk_13:18-19; Luk_13:21; of thinking, acting, etc., Mat_11:16; Mat_13:52, Luk_6:47-49; Luk_7:31-32 (T, with genitive; 131., § 36, 11) Luk_12:36, Joh_8:55, Jud_1:7; with accusative, Rev_1:13 (WH, txt.; Swete, Hort, in l) Rev_14:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: like, + manner See also: 1 John 3:2; Matthew 13:47; Revelation 1:13.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

ζυμη zumē G2219 "leaven" Noun-DSF

Leaven is like yeast, it makes dough rise. In the Bible, it can also mean a moral influence, often a bad one, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 and Galatians 5:9. Jesus used it as a parable in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21.

Definition: ζύμη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX for חָמֵץ, Exo.12:16 13:3 23:18 34:25, Deu.16:3; שְׂאֹר, Exo.12:16, 19 13:7, Lev.2:11, Deu.16:4 * ;] leaven: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21; τ. ἄρτου, Mat.16:12. Metaphorical, of a moral influence or tendency, always, exc. in the Parable of the Leaven (Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21), for evil: 1Co.5:6-8, Gal.5:9; ζ. τ. Φαρισαίων, Mat.16:6, 11, Mrk.8:16, Luk.12:1 (Cremer, 723).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: leaven See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 13:21; Matthew 16:12.

ην hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-ASF

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

λαβουσα lambanō G2983 "to take" Verb-2AAP-NSF

To take or receive something, like in Matthew 26:26, where Jesus takes bread and breaks it. It can also mean to accept or obtain something, and is often translated as receive or accept in the KJV.

Definition: λαμβάνω, [in LXX chiefly for לקח, also for אחז ,לכד ,נשׂא, etc. ;] __1. to take, lay hold of: absol., Mat.26:26, Mrk.14:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.5:40 26:52, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:35, Mrk.12:3, al.; pleonastic λαβών (M, Pr., 230; Bl., §74, 2), Mat.13:31 14:19, al.; so also indic., Mrk.7:27, Jhn.19:1, 40 Rev.8:5, al.; metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), ἀφορμήν, Rom.7:8, 11; ὑδόδειγμα, Jas.5:10; id. with accusative of person(s), φόβος, Luk.7:16; πνεῦμα, Luk.9:39; πειρασμός, 1Co.10:13; aoristic pf. (M, Pr., 145, 238; BL, §59, 4), Rev.5:7 8:5, al. __2. to receive: absol., opposite to αἰτεῖν, Mat.7:8, al.; διδόναι, Mat.10:8, Act.20:35; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.27:6, Mrk.10:3o, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.6:21 13:20 19:27, 2Jo.10; ῥαπίσμασιν (a vulgarism; Bl., §38, 3), Mrk.14:65; metaphorically, τ. λόγον, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16; τ. μαρτυρίαν, Jhn.3:11; τ. ῥήματα, Jhn.12:48; πρόσωπον (Heb. נָשָׂא פָּנִים, Dalman, Words, 30), Luk.20:21, Gal.2:6; ζωὴν αἰώνιον (Dalman, op. cit., 124f.), Mrk.10:30 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀντι-, συν-αντι- (-μαι), ἀπο-, ἐπι-, κατα-, μετα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, συν-περι-, ὑπο-λαμβάνω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 248 NT verses. KJV: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:12; John 10:18; 1 Peter 4:10.

γυνη gunē G1135 "woman" Noun-NSF

A woman, either married or unmarried, and sometimes specifically a wife, as in Matthew 11:11 and Romans 7:2. This term is also used as a term of respect and endearment.

Definition: γυνή, -αικός, ἡ, [in LXX for אִשָּׁה ;] __1. a woman, married or unmarried: Mat.11:11 14:21, al.; ὕπανδρος γ., Rom.7:2; γ. χήρα, Luk.4:26; in vocat., γύναι implies neither reproof nor severity, but is used frequently as a term of respect and endearment, Mat.15:28, Jhn.2:4, 4:21 19:26. __2. a wife: Mat.1:20, 1Co.7:3, 4 al.; γ. ἀπολύειν, Mrk.10:2, al.; γ. ἔχειν Mrk.6:18; γ. λαβεῖν, Mrk.12:19; γ. γαμεῖν, Luk.14:20. __3. a deaconess, 1Ti.3:11 (CGT, in l.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 200 NT verses. KJV: wife, woman See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; Luke 4:26; 1 Peter 3:1.

ενεκρυψεν egkruptō G1470 "to mix" Verb-AAI-3S

This word means to mix or hide something in something else, like in Matthew 13:33 where it talks about hiding yeast in dough. It's about incorporating one thing into another, often secretly.

Definition: ἐγ-κρύπτω, [in LXX for טמן, etc. ;] to conceal in: with accusative, before εἰς, Mat.13:33.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: hid in See also: Luke 13:21.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

αλευρου aleuron G224 "flour" Noun-GSN

This word means flour, like the kind used for baking bread. It appears in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21, where Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven using yeast and flour.

Definition: ἄλευρον, -ου, τό (ἀλεύω, to grind), [in LXX for קֶמַח, Num.5:15, al. ;] real: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: meal See also: Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33.

σατα saton G4568 "seah" Noun-APN

A saton is a unit of dry measurement, equivalent to about a peck and a half, used in biblical times, as seen in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21. It was a common measure for grains and other dry goods. The term is still used today to describe this amount.

Definition: σάτον, -ου, τό (Aram. סָאתָא = Heb. סְאָה), [in LXX: Hag.2:17 (16)* ;] a Hebrew measure (= about a peck and a half): Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: measure See also: Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33.

τρια treis G5140 "Three" Adj-APN

The Greek word for three, used in passages like Matthew 12:40 and Mark 10:34 to describe a specific number of days or items. It is also used in the name of a place called Three Taverns in Acts 28:15.

Definition: τρεῖς, οἱ, αἱ, τρία, τά three: Mat.12:40, al.; μετὰ τ. ἡμέρας = τῇ τρίτῃ ἡ., Mrk.10:34, al. (cf. Field, Notes, 11 ff.) Τρεῖς Ταβέρναι (see: ταβέρνη), Three Taverns (Lit. Tres Tabernae) a halting place on the Appian Way: Act.28:15 (see DB, iv, 690).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: three See also: 1 Corinthians 10:8; Luke 2:46; Hebrews 10:28.

εως heōs G2193 "until" Adv

A Greek word for until, showing when something continues or ends. It is used in Matthew 2:9 and 5:18 to indicate a time or place. It helps show when events happen or stop.

Definition: ἕως, relative particle (Lat. donee, usque), expressing the terminus ad quem (cf. Burton, §321ff.). __I. As conjunction; __1. till, until; __(a) of a fact in past time, with indic.: Mat.2:9, al. (Wis.10:14, al.); __(b) ἕως ἄν, with subjc. aor.: Mat.2:13 5:18, Mrk.6:10, al.; without ἄν (M. Pr., 168f.; Lft., Notes, 115), Mrk.14:32 (Burton, §325), Luk.12:59, 2Th.2:7, al.; __(with) with indic., present (Burton, §328; BL, §65, 10): Mrk.6:45, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Ti.4:13. __2. C. indic., as long as, while (Burton, §327): Jhn.9:4 (Plat., Phaedo, 89c). __II. As an adverb (chiefly in late writers). __1. Of time, until, unto; __(a) as prep. with genitive (BL, §40, 6; M, Pr., 99): τ. ἡμέρας, Mat.26:29, Luk.1:80, Rom.11:8, al.; ὥρας, Mat.27:45, al.; τέλους, 1Co.1:8, 2Co.1:13; τ. νῦν, Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19 (1Ma.2:33); ἐτῶν ὀγ. (Field, Notes, 49f.), Luk.2:37; τ. ἐλθεῖν, Act.8:40; before names and events, Mat.1:17 2:15, Luk.11:51, Jas.5:7, al.; __(b) before οὗ, ὅτου, with the force of a conjc. (Burton, §330; M, Pr., 91); __(α) ἕ. οὗ (Hdt., ii, 143; Plut., al.): with indic., Mat.1:25 (WH br., οὗ) 13:33, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.14:22, al.; __(β) ἔ. ὅτου: with subjc., Luk.13:8; with indic., Mat.5:25 (until), Jhn.9:18; __(with) with adv. (ἔ. ὀψέ, Thuc, iii, 108): ἄρτι, Mat.11:12, Jhn.2:10, 1Co.4:13, al.; πότε (M, Pr., 107), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Jhn.10:24, al. __2. Of place, as far as, even to, unto (Arist., al.); __(a) as prep. with genitive (see supr.): Mt 1123, Lk 1015, al.; __(b) with adv. (BL, §40, 6): ἄνω, Jhn.2:7; ἔσω, Mrk.14:54; κάτω, Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38; ὧδε, Luk.23:5; __(with) with prep.: ἔξω, Act.21:5; πρός, Luk.24:50 (Field, Notes, 83). __3. Of quantity, measure, etc.: Mat.18:21, Mrk.6:23, Luk.22:51, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 137 NT verses. KJV: even (until, unto), (as) far (as), how long, (un-)til(-l), (hither-, un-, up) to, while(-s) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Luke 20:43; Hebrews 1:13.

ου hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-GSM

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

εζυμωθη zumoō G2220 "to leaven" Verb-API-3S

To leaven means to add yeast to dough to make it rise. In the Bible, it can also mean to influence or spread an idea, as seen in Matthew 13:33 and 1 Corinthians 5:6. It's often used to describe the spread of bad ideas or behaviors.

Definition: ζυμόω, -ῶ (ζύμη), [in LXX for חָמֵץ, Exo.12:34, 39 Lev.6:17 23:17, Hos.7:4 * ;] to leaven: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21, 1Co.5:6, Gal.5:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: leaven See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33.

ολον holos G3650 "all" Adj-NSN

The Greek word for 'all' or 'whole', meaning complete in every way, is used in the Bible to describe things that are entire or total, like in Luke 5:5 and Acts 11:26.

Definition: ὅλος, -η, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] of persons and things, whole, entire, complete; __1. of indefinite ideas, with subst. anarth.: Luk.5:5, Act.11:26 28:30, Tit.1:11; ὅλον ἄνθρωπον (an entire man; see Field, Notes, 93), Jhn.7:23; ὅλη Ἰερουσαλήμ (= πᾶσα Ἰ, Mat.2:3; see Bl., §47, 9), Act.21:31. __2. Definite, with art.; __(a) preceding subst.: Mat.4:23, 24 Luk.8:39, 1Co.12:17, al.; __(b) following subst.: Mrk.1:33, Luk.9:25, Jhn.4:53, Act.21:30, al.; __(with) between art. and subst., where subst. is an abstract noun (Plat., al.). __3. Attached to adj. or verb: Mat.13:33, Luk.13:21, Jhn.9:34, al.; adverbially, δι ̓ ὅλου (MM, xviii), Jhn.19:23. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 100 NT verses. KJV: all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 11:36; Hebrews 3:2.

Study Notes — Luke 13:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 13:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 13:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 13:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 13:21
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 13:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 13:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 13:21
Cambridge Bible on Luke 13:21
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 13:21
Sermons on Luke 13:21

Context — The Parable of the Leaven

19It is like a mustard seed that a man tossed into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” 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. 23“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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.”
2	1 Corinthians 5:6	Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
3	1 Thessalonians 5:23–24	Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
4	John 4:14	But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
5	Philippians 1:6	being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
6	John 15:2	He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.
7	Philippians 1:9–11	And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
8	James 1:21	Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.
9	Psalms 92:13–14	Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,
10	Job 17:9	Yet a righteous one holds to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger.

Luke 13:21 Summary

This verse means that the kingdom of God is like yeast that spreads through dough, quietly and powerfully influencing everything it touches. Just like the woman in the story, we can be a part of spreading the kingdom of God by sharing the love and message of Jesus with others (Matthew 28:18-20). As we allow the kingdom of God to work in our lives, it can bring transformation and new life, just like yeast makes bread rise (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). By surrendering to God's kingdom, we can experience the fullness of His love and presence in our lives (John 3:3).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the leaven in Luke 13:21 represent?

The leaven in this verse represents the kingdom of God, which spreads and influences all aspects of our lives, much like yeast spreads through dough, as seen in Matthew 13:33 and 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.

Why did Jesus use the example of a woman and leaven?

Jesus used this example to illustrate the quiet, yet powerful, way the kingdom of God works, much like a woman's work in baking bread, as seen in Proverbs 31:10-31 and 1 Timothy 2:15.

Is the leaven in Luke 13:21 good or bad?

In this context, the leaven is a positive symbol, representing the spread of the kingdom of God, unlike in other verses such as Matthew 16:6 and 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, where leaven represents sin and corruption.

What does the three measures of flour represent?

The three measures of flour may represent the entirety of human life or the world, which is completely influenced by the kingdom of God, as seen in Romans 11:25 and Revelation 7:9.

Reflection Questions

How can I allow the kingdom of God to spread and influence all areas of my life, just like the leaven in the dough?
What are some ways I can be a part of spreading the kingdom of God, like the woman in the parable?
How does the idea of the kingdom of God spreading quietly, yet powerfully, encourage me in my faith?
What are some areas of my life where I need to allow the kingdom of God to have a greater influence?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 13:21

It is like leaven,.... Which is small in quantity, but is of a swelling, spreading quality; and fitly expresses the small beginnings of the Gospel ministry, and its increase, also the state and case

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 13:21

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? For the exposition of this portion, see the notes at Matthew 13:31-33, with Remarks.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 13:21

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Trapp's Commentary on Luke 13:21

21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Ver. 21. See Matthew 13:33.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 13:21

(18-21) Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like?—See Notes on Matthew 13:31-33. The first impression with most readers, in the absence of any apparent trace of sequence, is that we have an isolated fragment of our Lord’s teaching, torn from the context in which we find it in St. Matthew. On the other hand, we must remember (1) that our Lord was in the synagogue, and it was on the Sabbath day, and that so both time and place called for teaching of some kind; and (2) that the parables that follow may well be regarded but as samples of the teaching which those who were in the synagogue had treasured up in their memories. They were fit and edifying parables at any time; not least so, assuredly, at this. When proof had been given that the Kingdom of God had indeed come nigh unto men, it was well to set before them something as to its nature, its extent, its mode of working inwardly and outwardly; and the fact that the similitudes which did this had been used before, did not necessarily make them inapplicable or unprofitable when used again.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 13:21

Verse 21. Like leaven] See this explained, Matthew 13:33.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 13:21

21. It is like leaven] Except in this parable, leaven in Scripture (being connected with corruption and fermentation) is used as the type of sin. See Luke 12:1; Exodus 12:1; Exodus 12:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 5:9. Here, however, the only point considered is its rapid, and unseen, and effectual working.in three measures of meal] The verisimilitude, simplicity, and vividness of the parables arise from the natural and specific details introduced into them. To press these into separate lessons only leads to arbitrary exegesis and false theology. Probably the ‘three measures’ are only mentioned because they are the ordinary amount which a

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 13:21

18-21. Our Lord, in view of the spirit of faith and joy produced in the hearts of the people in consequence of this miracle, and its triumphant justification, instructs them now, by two parables, in the mysteries of his kingdom.

Sermons on Luke 13:21

	Sermon	Description
	The Glorying of Leaven by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Belshazzar and how he was blind to the truth and hardened to the gospel. The preacher then paraphrases Matthew chapte
	Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th
	Celebrate the Feast by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, Pastor Symbola emphasizes the importance of living a life that is true to one's identity as a Christian. He highlights the destructive nature of sin and how it can
	The Beauty of Unity by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing that he felt prompted to preach a different message than planned. He then reads from the book of Mark, specifically chapter 3, where
	Beware of False Teaching by J. Vernon McGee	J. Vernon McGee warns about the presence of false teachers in the church, emphasizing their deceptive nature and the danger they pose by spreading lies and denying the truth of the
	The Rule of Heaven Will Divide Between the Evil and the Good, Between the Leaven and the Unleavened Bread by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dual interpretations of the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33, arguing that leaven symbolizes evil rather than good. He explains that throughou
	Matthew 13:31-35. Parables of the Mustard-Seed and of the Leaven. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the parables shared by Jesus, exploring the hidden meanings behind the mustard seed growing into a large tree and the leaven working in secret withi