Parable: from the Greek word parabole which translates the Hebrew mashal
which means "to be similar, to be comparable." A parable is an extended
metaphor, or simile, frequently becoming a brief narrative, generally used in Biblical
times for didactic purposes. (Not to be confused with an allegory.) from the
Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible.
Matthew 13:34-35 Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables;
without a parable he told them nothing. {35} This was to fulfill what had been spoken
through the prophet: "I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what
has been hidden from the foundation of the world." (quoting Psalm 78:2)
Mark 4:10-13 When Jesus was alone, those who were around him along with
the twelve asked him about the parables. {11} And he said to them, "To you has been
given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in
parables; {12} in order that 'they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed
listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.'" {13}
And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you
understand all the parables?"
Mark 4:33-34 With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to the people,
as they were able to hear it; {34} he did not speak to them except in parables, but he
explained everything in private to his disciples.
"With Jesus, the device of parabolic utterance is used not to
explain things to people's satisfaction but to call attention to the unsatisfactoriness of
all their previous explanations and understandings." (Robert Farrar Capon, The
Parables of the Kingdom, page 6)
"Neither a parable nor any other metaphor 'says one thing and means
another.' A parable is a particular way of speaking, not a code, and what it means is what
it says." (Matthew Black)
"You cannot tell people what to do, you can only tell them parables;
and that is what art really is, particular stories of particular people and
experiences..." (W. H. Auden in M. K. Spears, The Poetry of W. H. Auden)
SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:
The Parables of Jesus by Joachim Jeremias - The starting point in the modern
study of the parables. (~$12)
The Parables of the Kingdom | The Parables of Grace | The Parables of Judgment by
Robert Farrar Capon - I highly recommend this series of books. Engagingly written,
well-informed, and with a pastoral interest. ($21 for the set.)
In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus by John Dominic Crossan - A
scholarly study but an artistic, reflective work as well.
Hear Then the Parable by Bernard Brandon Scott - Introductory material is
somewhat technical, but his exposition is fascinating and provocative. (~$15)
These books may be ordered from the Luther Seminary Bookstore (1-800-541-4187).
