Page 452 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

PARABLE

PARABLE. “A parable is a comparison between (1) Often the parables are interpreted in the passage. A
material and spiritual truth, designed to teach doctrine number of the parables of our Lord were interpreted by
and obedience. It may be given in the form of a Himself (Mt. 13:3-9; 18-23; 13:33-43; Luke 7:41-42,
narrative, a proverb, or a reference to an event or 47; 12:16-23; 18:1-8; 9-14; 19:11-27). In these
institution” (Bruce Lackey). instances, there can be no misunderstanding of the
“Parable” means to lay something alongside another. meaning of the parable.
It means to compare two things. The word parable in (2) Study the context of the parable. A parable is not
Greek is also translated “comparison” (Mark 4:30) and given in isolation. The context before or after the
“figure” (He. 9:9). See also Mt. 13:24, 35, etc. “The parable will help determine its main point.
kingdom of heaven is likened unto…” For example, the context of the parables in Lk.
We also see this in the Old Testament parables. In these, 15:3-32 is found in verses 1-2. The self-righteous
the prophets compare many things: Pharisees criticized Jesus for receiving sinners, and He
Numbers 23:18-24, Israel compared to a replied with the parables to teach God’s great love for
unicorn and lion. the same. See Lk. 19:10.
Psalm 49:4, 12, 20, man compared to beasts The context of the parable of the unmerciful servant
that perish. in Mt. 18:23-35 is Peter’s question to the Lord about
Ezekiel 17:2, 12, the king of Babylon to an forgiveness (Mt. 18:21-22).
eagle. The context of the parable of the barren fig tree in
Ezekiel 20:45-49. God’s judgment of Israel to a Luke 13:6-9 is Christ’s demand for repentance. See
fire. verses 1-5. In the parable He was teaching that
Ezekiel 24:3 ff, Jerusalem to a pot of boiling repentance has evidence in one’s life. Compare Mt.
water. 3:7-8.
Some parables are proverbs. The Greek word The context of the parables in Mt. 25 is the previous
“parabole” is also translated “proverb” in (Luke 4:23). chapter (Mt. 24:42-46), which deals with the return of
Two examples of New Testament proverbs are Luke 6:39 Christ. The interpretation, then, is that God’s people
and Mark 3:23-27. need to be ready and watching for Christ’s return.
The Bible parable has been called “an earthly story (3) Study the parable in all passages. Comparing the
with a heavenly meaning.” Parable of the Sower — Matthew 13:18-23 with Mark
WHY DID JESUS TEACH PARABLES? The Lord Jesus 4:14-20 and Luke 8:11-15. To Mt. 13:19, Mark adds
taught in parables to hide truth from those who would “Satan cometh immediately” (Mk. 4:15) and Luke adds
not believe Him (Mt. 13:10-17). A parable requires “lest they should believe and be saved” (Lk. 8:12). To
some consideration. Those who don’t care about the Mt. 13:22, Mark adds “and lusts of other things entering
truth will not go to the trouble to understand a parable in” (Mk. 4:19) and Luke adds “and pleasures of this
and will also stumble at its meaning, because they will life” (Lk. 8:14). To Mt. 13:23, Luke adds “in an honest
try to understand through their own thinking rather and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and
than seek God’s help. On the other hand, the one who bring forth fruit with patience” (Lk. 8:15).
wants to know the truth will humbly and persistently (4) Study the parable’s cultural background. The
seek out the meaning. The Lord’s disciples asked Jesus parable of the Wedding Feast in Mt. 22:1-3 can be better
to explain the parables (Mt. 13:36). See Pr. 26:7. As the understood in light of the culture. The Barnes
lame person is unable to walk or do many things commentary explains: “Anciently, kings and princes were
properly, so the foolish person cannot understand accustomed to make presents of changes of raiment to
parables properly. their friends and favourites, to refuse to receive which
THE INTERPRETATION OF PARABLES. The primary was an expression of highest contempt. It was, of
law of interpreting parables is this: A parable is given to course, expected that such garments would be worn
teach ONE central truth. “The safest way to handle a when they came into the presence of the benefactor.
parable is to search out the leading thought or principle The garments worn on festival occasions were chiefly
idea round which as center the subordinate parts must long white robes; and it was the custom of the person
group themselves” (Herbert Lockyer). An attempt to who made the feast to prepare such robes to be worn by
make extended application of each detail of a parable the guests. This renders the conduct of this man more
can produce false interpretations. The details of the inexcusable. He came in his common ordinary dress, as
parable are important, but they only contribute to the he was taken from the highway; and though he had not
primary meaning of the overall parable. a garment of his own suitable for the occasion, yet one
How to Understand the Main Lesson of a Parable had been provided for him, if he had applied for it. His

452 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity