Parables
Summary
Parables are illustrative stories or comparisons using familiar earthly situations to convey spiritual truths, employed extensively by Jesus in His teaching.
☩Nature and Purpose
A parable (from Greek paraballein, 'to throw beside') is a comparison using earthly images to convey spiritual meaning. Unlike myths or allegories with fictitious beings, parables draw from real life. Jesus used parables to make people think, separating genuine seekers from the merely curious. Those desiring spiritual understanding found the parables illuminating; those with hardened hearts found them obscure.
☩Old Testament Parables
The Old Testament contains several parabolic stories: Jotham's parable of the trees choosing a king, Nathan's parable of the poor man's lamb that convicted David, the woman of Tekoa's story, and various prophetic parables in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel including the vine, the eagles, the boiling pot, and the unfaithful sisters.
☩Interpreting Jesus' Parables
Jesus' parables typically teach one or two main points rather than requiring allegorical interpretation of every detail. The parable of the sower is foundational, illustrating varied responses to God's word. Many parables concern the kingdom of God—its nature, growth, value, and the separation of true and false at the final judgment. Jesus called hearers to decision and action, not merely intellectual understanding.
Related Verses30 mentions
References
- 1.Charles G. Herbermann et al. (ed.), "Parables," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. XI (Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912).
- 2.Don Fleming, "Parables," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Parable," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).