Why are three measures of flour mentioned in Matthew 13:33?
Quick Answer
The speaker proposes that the quantity evokes Abraham’s meal for honored visitors and Gideon’s offering; the text does not explicitly explain the number.
Key Scriptures
– Matthew 13:33 – Leaven hidden in three measures of flour works through the whole batch.
– Genesis 18:6 – Abraham directs Sarah to prepare three measures of fine meal for guests.
– Judges 6:19 – Gideon prepares an ephah of flour for an honored visitor; interpreted as a parallel.
Detailed Biblical Study
Genesis 18 has Sarah preparing three measures of fine meal, and Judges 6 describes Gideon preparing an ephah of flour. The Teaching interprets these as honored-guest scenes and suggests a return-of-Messiah meaning. This connection is conjectural, not a stated identification in Matthew.
– Matthew 13:33 – Leaven hidden in three measures of flour works through the whole batch.
– Genesis 18:6 – Abraham directs Sarah to prepare three measures of fine meal for guests.
– Judges 6:19 – Gideon prepares an ephah of flour for an honored visitor; interpreted as a parallel.
Related Teaching
Parables of Yeshua (Parable of Wheat & Tares, Mustard Seed, and Leaven)
In this Teaching, Ed Doss explores the parables of the Wheat and Tares, Mustard Seed, and Leaven in Matthew 13. He begins with Yeshua’s practice of teaching through parables and the call to hear with understanding, then compares the wheat and tares with the vineyard of Isaiah 5. A substantial portion examines Yeshua’s explanation of the end-of-age harvest, the order of gathering, Matthew 24, and the resurrection described in 1 Thessalonians 4. The speaker presents a tentative classification of eight groups of people at Messiah’s return and asks who may remain during the Millennium. He then reads the Mustard Seed through Ezekiel 17 and the promises to Israel, interpreting the birds as nations drawn to the Kingdom. Finally, he treats the Leaven as hidden transformation, connects the three measures of flour to Abraham and Gideon, and relates the imagery to Shavuot. The audience Q&A revisits resurrection, judgment, biblical discernment, Torah, compassion, and humility about uncertain interpretations.