What is a parable?

[B-A-C]

A parable is a short, symbolic narrative used in Scripture—especially by Jesus—to communicate spiritual, moral, or theological truths through familiar, everyday imagery. While parables may describe events that could plausibly occur in real life, their primary function is not to recount history but to reveal deeper realities about the Kingdom of God, human nature, and divine judgment.

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1. Ordinary Imagery
   Parables always draw from common, material experiences—farming, family life, business, hospitality, etc.—never from supernatural or heavenly realms. They use the natural to explain the spiritual, but never the reverse.
2. Anonymous Characters
   Parables almost never use proper names. Instead, they feature unnamed figures like “a man,” “a woman,” “a king,” or “a servant.” This anonymity makes the message universal and timeless. The one notable exception—Lazarus in Luke 16—is debated and may not be a parable in the strict sense.
3. Symbolic Purpose
   Parables are not mere illustrations or moral tales. They are vehicles of revelation, often containing layers of meaning that require reflection and spiritual discernment.
4. Dual Function: Reveal and Conceal
   Parables are designed to reveal truth to the receptive and conceal it from the resistant (cf. Matthew 13:10–17). This aligns with the prophetic tradition of speaking in veiled language to provoke repentance or harden hearts.
5. No Reverse Parables
   Parables never use spiritual or supernatural elements to explain material truths. Their movement is always from the seen to the unseen, from the earthly to the heavenly.
6. Not Necessarily Fictional
   A parable may describe something that actually happened, but its truth does not depend on historicity. What defines a parable is its intent to teach through analogy, not to record history.
7. Contextual Framing
   Many parables are introduced with narrative cues (e.g., “He told them a parable…”), and often respond to a specific situation, question, or audience. The context shapes the meaning.
8. Eschatological and Christological Focus
   Parables often carry a sense of urgency, pointing to judgment, grace, reversal, and the coming Kingdom. Many also reveal aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission, especially in confrontational parables directed at religious leaders.

 

[B-A-C]

Matt13:18 "Hear then the parable of the sower.
Matt13:24 Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
Matt 13:31 He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field;
Matt 13:33 He spoke another parable to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened."

Matt 13:36 Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field."
Matt 15:15 Peter said to Him, "Explain the parable to us."
Matt 21:33 "Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who PLANTED A VINEYARD AND PUT A WALL AROUND IT AND DUG A WINE PRESS IN IT, AND BUILT A TOWER, and rented it out to vine-growers and went on a journey.
Matt 24:32 "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;
Mark 4:13 And He *said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?
Mark 4:30 And He said, "How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?
Mark 7:17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable.
Mark 12:12 And they were seeking to seize Him, and yet they feared the people, for they understood that He spoke the parable against them. And so they left Him and went away.
Mark 13:28 "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
Luke 5:36 And He was also telling them a parable: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.
Luke 6:39 And He also spoke a parable to them: "A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?
Luke 8:4 When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable:
Luke 8:9 His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant.
Luke 8:11 "Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.
Luke 12:16 And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive.
Luke 12:41 Peter said, "Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?"
Luke 13:6 And He began telling this parable: "A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.
Luke 14:7 And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them,
Luke 15:3 So He told them this parable, saying,
Luke 18:1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,
Luke 18:9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt:
Luke 19:11 While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Luke 20:9 And He began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to vine-growers, and went on a journey for a long time.
Luke 20:19 The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.
Luke 21:29 Then He told them a parable: "Behold the fig tree and all the trees;

Most of the parables Jesus told, are identified as a parable.

Matt 13:34 All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable.
Mark 4:34 and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.
John 16:25 "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.
John 16:29 His disciples *said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech.

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• Matthew 13:34 and Mark 4:34 both emphasize that Jesus consistently used parables when speaking to the crowds.
• This aligns with the idea that parables served a dual purpose: to reveal truth to those with ears to hear, and to conceal it from those who were hardened or hostile (cf. Matthew 13:10–17).
• Parables were thus a strategic and prophetic form of communication, especially in public ministry.

• In contrast, Jesus explained the meaning of parables privately to His disciples (Mark 4:34b).
• This reflects a discipleship dynamic: those who followed Jesus closely were given deeper understanding (cf. Matthew 13:11).

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• In John 16:25, Jesus says, “An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language (παροιμίαι, paroimiai), but will tell you plainly of the Father.”
• In John 16:29, the disciples recognize this shift: “Now You are speaking plainly and not using a figure of speech.”
• This suggests that as Jesus approached the end of His earthly ministry, He began to speak more directly, especially about the Father, the Spirit, and His mission.

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This pattern reflects a progressive revelation:

• Early in His ministry, Jesus used parables to provoke thought, veil truth, and fulfill prophecy.
• Privately, He nurtured understanding in His disciples.
• Later, especially in the Upper Room Discourse (John 13–17), He spoke plainly, preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all truth (John 16:13).

This would suggest that if you are a follower (disciple) of Jesus, He doesn't hide things from you in parables.

John 15:15
"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."

Context:​

This verse is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples. He is emphasizing the intimacy and transparency of their relationship. Unlike a servant who simply obeys without understanding, Jesus’ disciples are treated as friends—brought into the knowledge of God’s will and purpose.

 

[B-A-C]

These are stories Jesus told that could be called parables, however they are not specifically identified as a "parable".

1. The Two Sons – Matthew 21:28–32
   
   

   A father asks two sons to work in his vineyard. One says no but goes; the other says yes but doesn’t go.

   • Not labeled a parable, but clearly functions as one.
2. The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:30–37
   
   

   A man is beaten and left for dead; a priest and Levite pass by, but a Samaritan helps him.

   • Introduced with “Jesus replied and said,” not “He told a parable.”
   • Universally recognized as a parable.
3. The Unforgiving Servant – Matthew 18:23–35
   
   

   A servant is forgiven a great debt but refuses to forgive a small one.

   • Introduced with “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to…”
   • Not called a parable, but clearly is one.
4. The Wise and Foolish Builders – Matthew 7:24–27; Luke 6:47–49
   
   

   One builds on rock, the other on sand.

   • A metaphorical teaching at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
   • Not labeled a parable, but fits the form.
5. The Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1–13
   
   

   Ten bridesmaids await the bridegroom; five are prepared, five are not.

   • Introduced with “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like…”
   • Not called a parable, but universally treated as one.

Parables Avoid Proper Nouns and Named Characters​

Jesus almost never uses proper names in His parables. Instead, He speaks of:

• “a man,”
• “a woman,”
• “a king,”
• “a servant,”
• “a sower,”
• “a father,”
• “a son,” etc.

This intentional vagueness serves several purposes:

1. Universality: The lack of names allows the story to transcend time, place, and culture. Anyone can see themselves in the characters.
2. Symbolism: The figures are not individuals but types—representing broader truths about God, humanity, and the Kingdom.
3. Focus on Meaning: The anonymity keeps the focus on the message, not the identity of the characters.

 

[B-A-C]

Additional Aspects to Consider in a Full Definition of "Parable"​

1. Genre Fluidity
   Not all parables are tidy stories with a beginning, middle, and end. Some are one-sentence metaphors (e.g., “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven…” – Matt. 13:33), while others are extended allegories (e.g., the Parable of the Sower or the Wicked Tenants). The term parable (Greek: παραβολή, parabolē) can encompass a wide range of figurative speech.
2. Old Testament Roots
   Parables are not unique to Jesus. The Hebrew Bible contains parabolic forms—like Nathan’s parable to David (2 Sam. 12:1–7) or Ezekiel’s allegories (e.g., Ezek. 17). Jesus stands in continuity with the prophetic tradition, using parables to confront, indict, and call for repentance.
3. Narrative Strategy in Luke
   Luke uses the word parable more than any other Gospel writer and often frames them with explicit narrative cues (e.g., “He told them a parable…”). Luke’s parables are often longer and more detailed, with a strong emphasis on reversal, grace, and social critique (e.g., the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus).
4. Christological Function
   Parables are not just about abstract truths—they often reveal the identity and mission of Jesus himself. For example, in the Parable of the Tenants (Luke 20:9–19), Jesus implicitly identifies himself as the Son sent by the vineyard owner.
5. Eschatological Urgency
   Many parables carry a sense of imminent judgment or decision (e.g., the Wise and Foolish Virgins, the Talents, the Great Banquet). They are not just teachings—they are calls to action in light of the coming Kingdom.
6. Audience-Specific Application
   Some parables are directed at disciples (e.g., Luke 18:1), others at Pharisees (Luke 15:2–3), and others at the crowds. The audience shapes the meaning and tone of the parable.

Are Parables Only Found in the Four Gospels?​

Short answer: Yes, in the New Testament, parables are found only in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

• Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain the vast majority of Jesus’ parables. Luke has the most unique ones (e.g., the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son).
• John’s Gospel contains no parables in the traditional sense. Instead, John uses extended metaphors and discourses (e.g., “I am the vine,” “I am the good shepherd”), but these are not structured as parables.
• Acts and the Epistles do not contain parables. The teaching style shifts to apostolic preaching, theological exposition, and pastoral instruction.

 

[Garee]

A parable is a short, symbolic narrative used in Scripture—especially by Jesus—to communicate spiritual, moral, or theological truths through familiar, everyday imagery. While parables may describe events that could plausibly occur in real life, their primary function is not to recount history but to reveal deeper realities about the Kingdom of God, human nature, and divine judgment.

​

1. Ordinary Imagery
   Parables always draw from common, material experiences—farming, family life, business, hospitality, etc.—never from supernatural or heavenly realms. They use the natural to explain the spiritual, but never the reverse.
2. Anonymous Characters
   Parables almost never use proper names. Instead, they feature unnamed figures like “a man,” “a woman,” “a king,” or “a servant.” This anonymity makes the message universal and timeless. The one notable exception—Lazarus in Luke 16—is debated and may not be a parable in the strict sense.
3. Symbolic Purpose
   Parables are not mere illustrations or moral tales. They are vehicles of revelation, often containing layers of meaning that require reflection and spiritual discernment.
4. Dual Function: Reveal and Conceal
   Parables are designed to reveal truth to the receptive and conceal it from the resistant (cf. Matthew 13:10–17). This aligns with the prophetic tradition of speaking in veiled language to provoke repentance or harden hearts.
5. No Reverse Parables
   Parables never use spiritual or supernatural elements to explain material truths. Their movement is always from the seen to the unseen, from the earthly to the heavenly.
6. Not Necessarily Fictional
   A parable may describe something that actually happened, but its truth does not depend on historicity. What defines a parable is its intent to teach through analogy, not to record history.
7. Contextual Framing
   Many parables are introduced with narrative cues (e.g., “He told them a parable…”), and often respond to a specific situation, question, or audience. The context shapes the meaning.
8. Eschatological and Christological Focus
   Parables often carry a sense of urgency, pointing to judgment, grace, reversal, and the coming Kingdom. Many also reveal aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission, especially in confrontational parables directed at religious leaders.

I would offer. To recount history by revealing hidden deeper realities

Proverbs are moral parables. Unlike the historical parables which without Christ spoke not

I would offer a parable is the signified language as a sign using the temporal things seen mixed with the unseen things of our invisible Holy Father, Christ.

Parables are designed to hide the gospel from the father of lies who as the god of this world has no spiritual vison at all. It's all if, if, if .The iffy doctrine of the father of lies

Parables,(para) meaning to come along side can teach us how to walk by faith after the unseen eternal things of God.

They are used in ceremonial laws as a sign to the unbelieving world. Not a sign unto their own self.(an abomination of desolation) believers have prophecy till the end. An evil generation seeks after a sign before they will exercise faith the power to believe God not seen.

Hebrew 9:42-46The Holy Ghost this signifying (language of parables) that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure (parable) for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.(shadow of the good things to come )

Mark 9 and Luke 9 the witness of two help us understand why he spoke in parables and without one parable as a comparison between the temporal historical and unseen eternal . . he spoke not.

A series of parables one right after another hiding (unseen eternal) The gospel understanding from the father of lies.

Because the apostles were not walking by the faithful power, the unseen eternal things of Christ. On one occasion in their confusion, they desired to elect a new leader alpha dog with Jesus the Son of man 3 feet in front of them.

They must have thought Jesus went of his rocker or deep end. His own family rejected him because of the parables. Jesus the Son of man. The most lonely (save the father who worked from within) person that ever walked on water. He wept at their misunderstanding.

Luke 9 ;And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.;And they were all amazed (No understnding of faith or power ) at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered (no belief) every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,;Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. Then there arose a "reasoning" (philosophical) among them, which of them should be greatest.

The last parable in that series, the faithless apostles thought Jesus was playing tricks. They thought he was going to the Jews when he went to the gentiles. Not understnding the hidden understanding. The racist, faithless apostles coming from the school of Pharisees with Sadducees demanded the Holy Father bring down fire and consume the gentiles according to the pagan foundation."Out of sight out of mind' .

When finished with all the parables He rebuked the apostles' and revealed what manner of spirit they were after .The lying spirit of this world, the father of lies

Luke 9:51-55;And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,;And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.;And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

It aids in understanding the query in Luke 18 .When the last day under the sun comes wil he find those who mix the temporal things with the eternal things (sola scriptura) or will they remain like the apostles before they learned how to walk by faith

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?