PARABLES

Of the Bible

The Hebrew word for parable:

MASHAL (MAWSHAWL) Simile; poem; proverb; adage – a short statement expressing a general truth.

A saying usually of metaphorical nature.

- The word occurs approx. 39 times in the O.T.- EXAMPLE: Job 27:1; 29:1

DEFINING A PARABLE

Job 27:1 ¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

Job 29:1 ¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

English Words used in KJV for “MASHAL”

“proverb” (19 times) “parable” (18 times)“byword” (1 time)“like” (1 time)

One Greek word for parable:

PARABOLE (PARABOLAY) Simile; proverb; adage; comparison; placing beside or together

A narrative usually of fictitious nature.

- The word occurs approx. 50 times in the N.T.- EXAMPLE: Matt. 15:15; 24:32

DEFINING A PARABLE

Matt. 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Mt 24:32 ¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

English Words used in KJV for “PARABOLE”

“proverb” (1 time) “parable” (46 times)“figure” (2 times)“comparison” (1 time)

Another Greek word for parable:

PAROIMIA (PAR-OY-MEE-AH) Proverb; adage

An illustration usually of fictitious nature.

- The word occurs approx. 4 times in the N.T.- EXAMPLE: John 10:6; 16:25

DEFINING A PARABLE

John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

English Words used in KJV for “PAROIMIA”

“proverb” (3 times) “parable” (1 time)

PARABLES

Of the Bible

A parable is an

utterance that involves a comparison

WORKING DEFINITION

A parable is an

illustration of one subject by another

WORKING DEFINITION

A parable is a

symbolic story, saying or narrative of common

life that conveys a moral or a lesson

WORKING DEFINITION

REMEMBER that parables sometimes denote: a true history, or an illustrative sketch from nature; sometimes a proverb or adage; a truth darkly or figuratively expressed; a type; or a figure.

INTERPRETING PARABLES

In the interpretation of a parable, its primary truth, main scope and lesson are chiefly to be considered. The minute particulars and details of the parable are not the main focus, but the meaning behind it.

INTERPRETING PARABLES

The THREE main questions to ask are:

(1)What is the parable saying?(2)What did it mean then?(3)What is applicable to my life?

INTERPRETING PARABLES

PARABLES ARE JUST ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING THINGS THAT

YOU EXPECT THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW, WILL KNOW; & THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO KNOW;

WILL NOT KNOW(MATTHEW 13:10-16)

WHY SPEAK IN PARABLES?

“The rich man, the poor

man & the little lamb”

(2 Samuel 12:1-9)

A Familiar O.T. Parable

The rich man: Who does he represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

DAVID

The poor man: Who does he represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

URIAH

The ewe lamb: Who does the lamb represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

BATHSHEBA

To whom was the parable directed?What was the parable depicting?What was the lesson or moral of the parable?

PARABLE MESSAGE

“THE SOWER”

(Matthew 13:1-23)

A Familiar N.T. Parable

The sower: Who does the sower represent?

MAIN CHARACTER

EVANGELIST, PREACHER, WITNESS, BELIEVER

The seed: What does the seed represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

THE WORD, THE GOSPEL

The way side: What does it represent & what happened?

KEY ELEMENTS

A person who hears but does not understand and is then distracted by the devil

The stony places: What does it represent & what happened?

KEY ELEMENTS

A person who hears, understands & receives message but was not rooted & grounded

The thorny places: What does it represent & what happened?

KEY ELEMENTS

A person who hears, understands & receives message but was overwhelmed by circumstances & falls away

The good ground: What does it represent & what happened?

KEY ELEMENTS

A person who hears, understands & receives message & is a doer of the word, grows by it & produces more fruit.

To whom was the parable directed?

PARABLE MESSAGE

MULTITUDES (EVERYONE)

What was the parable depicting?

PARABLE MESSAGE

The various responses & results than can occur when the word is preached.

What was the lesson or moral of the parable?

PARABLE MESSAGE

Spread the Word (gospel) and it will accomplish what it wills. The results will speak for themselves.

“THE TREES”

(Judges 9:1-21)

PARABLE #3

Who was the speaker of the parable?

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JOTHAM(Judges 9:7)

Who was Jotham?

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The youngest son of Jerubbaal & brother of

Abimelech (Judges 9:1-5)

To whom was the parable directed?

AUDIENCE

THE MEN OF SHECHEM (Judges 9:7)

The trees: Who does the trees represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

THE MEN OF ISRAEL(Judges 8:22-23)

The olive tree: Who does the olive tree represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

GIDEON(Judges 8:22-23)

How does Gideon fit into this picture?

KEY ELEMENTS

Gideon is Jerubbaal!!(Judges 7:1; 8:35)

How does Gideon relate to the other characters?

KEY ELEMENTS

Gideon is the father of Jotham & Abimelech

(Judges 8:30-31; 9:1;5)

The fig tree: Who does the fig tree represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

GIDEON’S SON(Judges 8:22-23)

The vine: Who does the vine represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

GIDEON’S GRANDSON(Judges 8:22-23)

The bramble: Who does the bramble represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

ABIMELECH(Judges 9:16-18)

Cedars of Lebanon: Who does the cedars represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

THE MEN OF SHECHEM(Judges 9:15; 20)

Olive tree’s response (vs.9): Shall I leave the sweet, safe, quiet, useful pursuits and my significant role, for the sake of becoming a ruler? No thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS

Olive tree: This tree was the most useful of all the trees in the forest. A tree yielding oil, used not only in food, but in various ways in the worship of God and in the consecration of men to public office such as kings, and priests, and prophets.

INTERPRETATIONS

Fig tree’s response (vs.11): Shall I leave my productive service that is important to others & myself to rule people? No thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS

Fig tree: The fruit of this tree is the sweetest or most luscious of all fruits. A full-ripe fig, has an indescribable sweetness; so much so that it is almost impossible to eat it, till a considerable time after it is gathered from the trees, and has gone through an artificial preparation.

INTERPRETATIONS

Vine’s response (vs.13): Shall I forsake my vital contribution, which is appreciated by God & men, to rule over people? No thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS

Vine: Wine was used for worship, celebrations, banquets and weddings, and in its proper context and moderate usage; God and people were pleased with it.

INTERPRETATIONS

Bramble’s response (vs.15): If you make me king & follow me; then you may expect protection under my government. But if you defy me, I will destroy you; especially you men of Shechem! YES thanks a lot; I’ll take the job!

INTERPRETATIONS

Bramble: This was a rough, prickly shrub or bush that was too low to give shelter to any tree; and so far from being able to consume others, that the smallest fire will reduce it to ashes in a short time.

INTERPRETATIONS

Jotham’s judgment (vs. 19-20): If you have done right by Gideon & his sons then you & Abimelech will be alright, but if not; you & Abimelech will be at war & eventually destroy each other.

(Judges 9:22-23; 49-56)

INTERPRETATIONS

What was the parable depicting?

PARABLE MESSAGE

The conspiracy of Abimelech & the men of Shechem to set up Abimelech’s kingdom & erase Gideon’s seed; thus leading to their own destruction.

What was the lesson or moral of the parable?

PARABLE MESSAGE

Those who seek to fight against others & unlawfully take what doesn’t belong to them, will one day be cut down.

Those who are most unfaithful and worthless in private life, are often most anxious for promotion to public life; and those who promote them, may expect through them to reap the fruit of their folly.

PARABLE MESSAGE

PARABLES

Of the Bible

“THE TARES OF

THE FIELD”

(Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43)

PARABLE #4

The sower: Who does the sower represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

JESUS

The enemy: Who does the enemy represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

SATAN

The reapers: Who does the reapers represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

ANGELS

The servants: Who does the servants represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

Other ANGELS

The field: What does the field represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

THE WORLD

The tares: Who does the tares represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

Unbelievers / Sinners / Wicked people

The good seed: Who does the good seed represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

SAINTS / BELIEVERS

The wheat: Who does the wheat represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

SAINTS (Growing body of believers)

The harvest: What does the harvest represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

END OF THE WORLD

To whom was the parable directed?

PARABLE MESSAGE

MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES

What was the parable depicting?

PARABLE MESSAGE

Jesus who first planted the gospel in the world, sent forth his saints to be witnesses in the world & church.

PARABLE MESSAGE

The unbelieving sinners being influenced by Satan, oppose the saints & try to discredit their ministry and the work of the gospel.

PARABLE MESSAGE

The righteous and the wicked will remain in the world & church until the end comes when God will separate the wicked unto eternal damnation & the righteous to eternal happiness.

What was the lesson or moral of the parable?

PARABLE MESSAGE

The children of God will not go unrewarded and the children of Satan will not go unpunished.

What was the lesson or moral of the parable?

PARABLE MESSAGE

God knows those who are his and one day God will clean up church and the world.

PARABLES

Of the Bible

“THE BARREN FIG

TREE”

(Luke 13:6-9)

PARABLE #5

To whom was the parable directed?

AUDIENCE

MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES(Luke 13:1; 12:1)

The vineyard owner: Who does he represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

GOD: Father / Jesus

The dresser: Who does he represent?

MAIN CHARACTERS

Jesus / Ministers / Leaders

The fig tree: What does it represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

Jews / Unprofitable servants

The vineyard: What does it represent?

KEY ELEMENTS

Judea / Wider communities / The

world

Vineyard owner: God the FatherThe dresser: JesusFig tree: JewsVineyard: Judea

Summary of theory 1

Vineyard owner: JesusThe dresser: Ministers / LeadersFig tree: Unprofitable servantsVineyard: Communities / World

Summary of theory 2

God placed his messengers to win souls, be witnesses & work for him; but some have not done anything. As a result the request to remove the unprofitable messengers was given, but the plea came to give opportunity for repentance & growth. If results come then fine; but if no results come, then the messengers shall be removed or judged.

INTERPRETATION

If those who enjoy the means of grace neglect them, and bring forth no fruits of holiness, God, in due time, will remove all such blessings from them, and leave them to endless barrenness and death.

LESSON APPLICATIONS