Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and PurposeParables are succinct, allegorical accounts used to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons. In the Bible, parables are predominantly found in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who employed them to convey profound truths about the Kingdom of God in a manner that was accessible yet veiled to those not open to understanding. Parables serve to reveal truths to those with receptive hearts while concealing them from those who are spiritually indifferent or hostile.
Biblical ContextThe use of parables is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching ministry. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, often referred to as the Synoptic Gospels, contain the majority of Jesus' parables. These accounts draw from everyday life in first-century Palestine, using familiar scenarios to communicate deeper spiritual realities.
Key Parables and Their Themes1.
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9,Mark 4:3-9,Luke 8:5-8): This parable illustrates the different responses to the Word of God, represented by seed sown on various types of soil. It emphasizes the importance of a receptive heart for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
2.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37): This account challenges social and ethnic prejudices, highlighting the call to love one's neighbor and show mercy, regardless of societal boundaries.
3.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): This parable reveals the boundless grace and forgiveness of God the Father, who welcomes repentant sinners with open arms, contrasting the self-righteousness of those who fail to understand divine mercy.
4.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This narrative underscores the responsibility of believers to use their God-given gifts and resources wisely, with the understanding that they will be held accountable for their stewardship.
5.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32,Mark 4:30-32,Luke 13:18-19): This parable illustrates the Kingdom of God's seemingly small beginnings and its eventual, expansive growth, offering hope and assurance of God's sovereign plan.
Interpretation and UnderstandingJesus' use of parables was intentional, as He explained to His disciples: "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them" (
Matthew 13:11). Parables require discernment and a willingness to seek deeper understanding. They often contain a central truth, though some may have multiple layers of meaning.
The Role of Parables in TeachingParables engage listeners, prompting reflection and self-examination. They invite individuals to see themselves within the account and to consider their own spiritual condition. By using familiar imagery, Jesus connected with His audience, making divine truths relatable and memorable.
Theological SignificanceParables reveal the nature of God's Kingdom, His character, and His expectations for His followers. They challenge believers to live out their faith authentically and to align their lives with the values of the Kingdom. Through parables, Jesus communicated the radical nature of God's grace, justice, and love, calling His followers to a higher standard of righteousness.
ConclusionWhile parables are accessible, they require a heart open to the Holy Spirit's guidance for full comprehension. They remain a vital part of Christian teaching, offering timeless lessons that continue to inspire and convict believers today.
Greek
3850. parabole -- to expose oneself to danger... necessarily). [For extensive notes and commentary on Jesus' "Kingdom-
parables"
see 932 ().]. comparison, figure, parable, proverb.
...3850b. parabole -- a placing beside, a comparison
... Word Origin from paraballo Definition a placing beside, a comparison NASB Word Usage
parable (31),parables (16), proverb (1), symbol (1), type (1)....
Strong's Hebrew
4911b. mashal -- to use a proverb, speak inparables or sentences...... 4911a, 4911b. mashal. 4912 . to use a proverb, speak in
parables or sentences
of poetry. Transliteration: mashal Short Definition: speak.
...1819. damah -- to be like, resemble
... root Definition to be like, resemble NASB Word Usage alike (1), compare (3), compared
(1), equal (1), gaveparables (1), imagine (1), intend (1), intended (2...
4912. mashal -- a proverb, parable
... Word Origin from mashal Definition a proverb, parable NASB Word Usage byword (3),
discourse (9), parable (3),parables (1), proverb (15), proverbs (6), taunt (2...
Library
TheParables of Our Lord
TheParables of Our Lord. <. TheParables of Our Lord William
Arnot. Produced by Brian Sogard, Laura Wisewell and the...
Parables of the Cross
Parables of the Cross. <.Parables of the Cross I. Lilias Trotter.
Produced by Free Elf, and Bookworm (Bookworm.Librivox...
TheParables of Our Lord.
TheParables of Our Lord. <.... THEPARABLES OF OUR LORD. THEPARABLES.
OF. OUR LORD. By the. REV. WILLIAM ARNOT. LONDON: T...
Parables of the Christ-life
Parables of the Christ-life. <.Parables of the Christ-life I. Lilias Trotter.
Table of Contents. Title Page. Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4....
Christ Teaching byParables
... CHRIST TEACHING BYPARABLES. We have spoken... a Teacher. These are
called"parables. Our Saviour'sparables were illustrations. This...
Parables in Relation to Similitudes. Jesus in his Own Country.
... Book X. 16.Parables in Relation to Similitudes. Jesus in His Own Country. "And
it came to pass, when Jesus had finished theseparables, He departed thence....
Three CondensedParables
... I to XII THREE CONDENSEDPARABLES. 'And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy
brother's eye, but perceiveth not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42....
TheParables
... Mark CHAPTER 4:1,2, 10-13 THEPARABLES. "And... And He taught them many things
inparables, and said unto them in His teaching. . . . "And...
Of theParables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma.
... Chapter VII."Of theParables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma. You
shall have leave to begin with theparables, where you...
Order in which theParables were Delivered. --Their Perfection....
... A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. Section 69. Order in which theParables were
Delivered."Their Perfection."Mode of Interpreting them....
Thesaurus
Parables (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Parables (21 Occurrences). Matthew 13:3 He spoke to them
many things in
parables, saying, "Behold, a farmer went out to sow.
...Spake (704 Occurrences)
... and who are my brethren?' (YLT). Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them
inparables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; (KJV ASV YLT)....
Spoke (799 Occurrences)
... Who are my brothers?" (WEB DBY). Matthew 13:3 He spoke to them many things inparables,
saying, "Behold, a farmer went out to sow. (WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS)....
Understand (208 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:13 Therefore I speak to them inparables, because seeing they don't
see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand....
Parable (52 Occurrences)
... 4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly
things, "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning," as in theparables of our...
Speak (855 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:10 The disciples came, and said to him, "Why do you speak to them
inparables?" (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Balaam (62 Occurrences)
... From there he was taken to the top of Peor, yet this change of places and external
views did not alter the tendency of Balaam'sparables; in fact, his spirit...
Debtor (7 Occurrences)
... 20:16, etc.). The teaching of the New Testament on this subject is confined
very largely to theparables of our Lord. Some think...
Debt (48 Occurrences)
... 20:16, etc.). The teaching of the New Testament on this subject is confined
very largely to theparables of our Lord. Some think...
Farmer (17 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:3 He spoke to them many things inparables, saying, "Behold, a farmer
went out to sow. (WEB NIV).... Mark 12:1 He began to speak to them inparables....
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.orgHow many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus teach in parables? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
