What does Luke 13:21 mean?

Explanation

The verse from Luke 13:21 is a part of a parable spoken by Jesus that reads, "It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." This parable compares the Kingdom of God to leaven (yeast) that a woman adds to a large quantity of flour until it permeates and causes the entire batch of dough to rise.

The literal meaning pertains to the process of making bread, a common activity in Jesus' day.

The deeper meaning suggests that the influence of the Kingdom of God, though it may start small and seem insignificant, will spread throughout and transform all that it touches.

The leaven symbolizes the pervasive and transformative power of the gospel message.

Historical Context

The historical context of Luke 13:21 is within the public ministry of Jesus Christ in the first century Roman province of Judea.

A time when the Jewish people were living under Roman rule and were looking for the coming of God’s Kingdom.

The use of leaven in this parable would have been immediately understandable to Jesus' audience as bread-making was a staple of daily life.

The mention of "three measures of meal," a large amount of flour, was significant as it recalls the story of Abraham in Genesis 18:6 where a similar offering is prepared for divine visitors and could indicate the sufficiency and abundance associated with the Kingdom of God.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the parable emphasizes several key insights:

The Kingdom of God operates differently from human kingdoms, often starting in ways that don't appear grand or impressive. 2.

God’s work often happens quietly and without much fanfare, but its eventual impact is undeniable and far-reaching. 3.

The transformation brought by the Kingdom is thorough, like leaven that affects the entire dough. 4.

In the Kingdom of God, small beginnings can lead to comprehensive end results.

Different denominations might emphasize various aspects of this message.

For instance, a Catholic perspective may focus on the community and universal aspect of the Kingdom that grows from small origins, while a Protestant viewpoint might stress the personal conversion that slowly but surely influences and changes society.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are numerous:

Followers of Christ can take heart that even their seemingly small efforts in faith can have a significant impact over time. 2.

It encourages patience and perseverance, knowing that the results of one’s labor may not be immediately visible. 3.

It reminds believers of the importance of the infusion of Christian values and teachings into the broader culture, to foster positive change. 4.

It also teaches humility, as the work of the Kingdom is not always about large, attention-grabbing movements but often about silent and steady growth.

Cross-References

• 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 the whole was leavened."
• Galatians 5:9: "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
• 1 Corinthians 5:6-8: "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.

For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "leaven" is “ζύμη” ("zymē"), which refers to the yeast or fermenting agent used in bread-making that causes dough to rise.

The word "hid" is translated from “ἐνέκρυψεν” ("enekrypsen"), suggesting the intentional action of incorporating the leaven into the meal so it could have its effect.

The "three measures of meal" could be from “σάτα τρία” ("sata tria"), indicating a substantial amount of flour that would feed a significant number of people.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The use of leaven as a metaphor can also be found in other cultures and religious traditions. For instance, in Judaism, leaven or yeast represents sin or pride during Passover, and thus they eat unleavened bread as a symbol of purity.

In contrast, this Christian parable uses leaven positively, pointing to growth and transformation. In some Eastern traditions, small substances causing significant changes can be analogous to the concept of a seed of enlightenment growing into full realization.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the process of leavening involves the fermentation of sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol by yeast cells.

This biological process is a fitting metaphor for the Kingdom of God in that it represents a process of transformation from the inside out.

Modern science can help people understand the penetrating and comprehensive nature of processes that begin on a microscopic level but achieve large-scale effects, much like the way the teachings of Jesus have spread and transformed societies over millennia.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on this verse:

• John Calvin interprets the parable as reflecting the inward and unobservable growth of God’s Kingdom within the hearts of believers.
• William Barclay highlights the universal nature of the gospel's influence, mentioning that the Kingdom is not confined to one place or people but is meant for the whole world.
• Matthew Henry comments on the transforming power of the gospel and its propensity to spread, fill, and ferment, much like leaven does in a lump of dough, effecting a significant change from a small beginning.