What is a parable?
Quick Answer
A parable is a short story using everyday imagery to teach spiritual truths - Jesus' primary teaching method for conveying deep truths about God's kingdom in memorable ways.
Understanding Parable
Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. The Greek word 'parabole' means to place alongside for comparison. Jesus used parables to teach about the kingdom of God through familiar images: seeds, sheep, coins, weddings, and family relationships. Parables have multiple functions: they reveal truth to receptive hearts while concealing it from hardened ones (Matthew 13:10-17). They engage listeners, provoking thought and requiring response. Unlike allegories where every detail has symbolic meaning, parables typically make one central point (though some have multiple lessons). Jesus' parables are not merely illustrations but powerful stories that expose hearts, challenge assumptions, and call for decision. They remain the most memorable and quoted portions of Jesus' teaching.
In the Old Testament
While Jesus perfected parable teaching, the Old Testament contains precursors to this genre. Nathan's parable of the ewe lamb exposed David's sin (2 Samuel 12). Isaiah's song of the vineyard depicted Israel's unfaithfulness (Isaiah 5). Ezekiel used allegories and parables extensively (Ezekiel 17, 24). The Hebrew word 'mashal' covers proverbs, riddles, and parables. These Old Testament examples set the stage for Jesus' masterful use of parabolic teaching.
In the New Testament
The Gospels record over 30 parables of Jesus, making them His signature teaching method. Parables appear throughout the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) covering themes like: the kingdom of God (Sower, Mustard Seed, Leaven), God's grace (Prodigal Son, Lost Sheep), judgment (Rich Man and Lazarus, Ten Virgins), and discipleship (Good Samaritan, Talents). Jesus sometimes explained parables privately to His disciples while leaving others to wrestle with their meaning. The parables' effectiveness lies in their simplicity, memorability, and capacity to challenge listeners at whatever level they engage them.
Key Scripture References
“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables.”
Read full commentary →Mark 4:33-34“And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them.”
Read full commentary →Matthew 13:10-11“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
Read full commentary →Luke 15:3-4“And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Read full commentary →Matthew 13:3“And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow.”
Read full commentary →Luke 8:10“And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.”
Read full commentary →Want to Learn More About Parable?
Ask a Biblical figure directly about this concept. Get Scripture-grounded answers in their own voice.
Explore More Concepts
What is salvation?
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ, restoring our relationship with God and granting eternal life.
What is grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor and lovingkindness toward humanity - the free gift of salvation and blessing that we could never earn or deserve.
What is faith?
Faith is complete trust and confidence in God - believing His promises, accepting His truth, and committing one's life to Him even when circumstances seem contrary.
What is redemption?
Redemption is God's act of purchasing believers out of slavery to sin through the payment of Christ's blood, setting them free to belong to Him.
What is justification?
Justification is God's act of declaring guilty sinners righteous based on Christ's perfect righteousness, received through faith - as if they had never sinned.
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.