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.

Cross-reference

In Matthew 13:24, another kingdom parable with the same opening — both describe hidden growth, making a strong thematic parallel.

1 Corinthians 5:6 uses the same proverb about leaven permeating dough but as a warning against sin—opposite to the kingdom's positive growth here.

Galatians 5:9 repeats the exact proverb, warning that false teaching spreads like leaven—a negative use contrasting with the kingdom's transformative leaven.

Genesis 18:6 mentions the same 'three measures' of flour — the parable likely alludes to this hospitality scene.

Mark 4:26 Parallel

In Mark 4:26, the growing seed parable also illustrates the kingdom's hidden, automatic growth — a direct thematic parallel to the leaven.