Parable of the Yeast: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Yeast is in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20–21. Jesus told this parable to illustrate how the Kingdom of God grows from small beginnings, like yeast causing dough to rise, until it transforms everything.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Yeast, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Parable of the Yeast In Scripture

Matthew 13:33 – Parable of the Yeast

He spoke another parable to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened.”

Read Matthew 13

Luke 13:20–21 – Parable of the Yeast

Again he said, “To what shall I compare God’s Kingdom? It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”

Read Luke 13

Parable of the Yeast Meaning

This parable means that the Kingdom of God, though it may start from the smallest beginnings, will grow and permeate through all aspects of life, much like a small amount of yeast causes the dough to rise until it is leavened throughout.

Jesus told this metaphor to illustrate how the transformative power of God’s Word works silently and persistently to bring about change from within a person and throughout the world. The parable emphasizes that something seemingly insignificant can have a profound impact over time, reflecting the growth and spread of faith and God’s influence on earth.

Parable of the Yeast Lessons

A Little Goes a Long Way

The first lesson is this: just as a little amount of yeast leavens the whole lump, Christians are reminded that small beginnings can lead to great outcomes. Even reading a little bit of your Bible each day or week can have compounding effects on your life.

Transformation From Within

Just as yeast causes dough to rise, the Kingdom of God can grow within us from a small beginning into something large and influential. It transforms us, working subtly to change us into the likeness of God.

Influence Is Exponential

Another lesson from this parable is that it illustrates how Christians are called to influence the world around them, spreading the good news of the Gospel through their actions and words. Mixing the yeast (God’s Word) into the flour (the world) cause the bread (Kingdom of Heaven) to rise.

Patience Is Key

The work of God within us, like yeast in dough, often happens gradually and without immediate signs, teaching us patience and trust in God’s timing.

Grace Abounds

Another lesson is the reminder that it is by God’s grace that we grow and are transformed by His Word and faith in Christ, not by our own effort. The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in Romans 3:28: “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

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Summary of the Parable of the Yeast

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Yeast.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Yeast appears in two Scriptures: Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20–21. And the primary meaning of the parable is that the Kingdom of God, though it may start from the smallest beginnings, will grow and permeate through all aspects of life. The life lessons include a little goes a long way, transformation happens within, influence is exponential, patience is key, and God’s grace abounds.

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Biblevise is an online ministry that’s focused on getting people excited about reading the Bible and connecting the Scriptures to their daily lives.