Matthew 13:33

leaven Except in this one parable, leaven is used of the working of evil; cp. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," Galatians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 5:6; and "purge out therefore the old leaven," 1 Corinthians 5:7. So, too, in the Rabbinical writings. This thought probably arose from the prohibition of leaven during the paschal season. But the secrecy and the all-pervading character of leaven aptly symbolize the growth of Christianity, (1) as a society penetrating everywhere by a subtle and mysterious operation until in this light as a secret brotherhood it appeared dangerous to the Roman empire; (2) as an influence unfelt at firstgrowing up within the human soul.

Compare Sir Bartle Frere on Indian Missions, p. 9; speaking of the gradual change wrought by Christianity in India, he says, in regard to religious innovations in general: "They are always subtle in operation, and generally little noticeable at the outset in comparison with the power of their ultimate operation."

three measures Literally, three seahs. In Genesis 18:6, Abraham bids Sarah "make ready three -seahs" of fine meal, knead it and make cakes upon the hearth."