Luke 13:21

ὁμοία ἐστὶν ζύμῃ. 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. The former parable illustrates the growth of the Gospel, the latter its transforming power.

εἰς�. Σάτον (the Hebr. seah, about a peck) occurs only here and at Matthew 13:33. (Genesis 18:6, LXX[279] μέτρον.) 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 woman would leaven at one time. If any one likes to improve the detail by applying it to (1) body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23); or (2) to Jews, Samaritans, and Galilaeans; or (3) to the three sons of Noah (!), as representing Semites, Aryans, and Allophylians,—it should be understood that these are pious applications, and interesting plays of fancy, not comments on our Lord’s words.

[279] LXX. Septuagint.

ἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον. The whole heart of each man (2 Corinthians 10:5), and the whole world (Luke 24:47).