Lexical Summary parabole: Parable, comparison, illustration, allegory Original Word: παραβολή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance comparison, figure, parable, proverb. From paraballo; a similitude ("parable"), i.e. (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage -- comparison, figure, parable, proverb. see GREEK paraballo HELPS Word-studies 3850 parabolḗ (from 3844 /pará, "close beside, with" and 906 /bállō, "to cast") – a parable; a teaching aid cast alongside the truth being taught. This casts additional light by using an arresting or familiar analogy, (which is often fictitious or metaphorical, but not necessarily). [For extensive notes and commentary on Jesus' "Kingdom-parables" see 932 (basileía).] Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3850: παραβολήπαραβολή, παραβολῆς, ἡ (παραβάλλω, which see), the Sept. for מָשָׁל; 1. a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle, Polybius 15, 2, 13; Diodorus 14, 60. 2. metaphorically, a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude (Plato, Isocrates, Polybius, Plutarch): universally, Matthew 24:32; Mark 13:28; an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated, Mark 3:23; Luke 14:7; a thing serving as a figure of something else, Hebrews 9:9; this meaning also very many interpreters give the word in Hebrews 11:19, but see 5 below; specifically, "a narrative, fictitious but agreeable to the laws and usages of human life, by which either the duties of men or the things of God, particularly the nature and history of God's kingdom, are figuratively portrayed" (cf. B. D., see under the words, Fable, Parable (and references there; add Aristotle, rhet. 2, 20, 2ff and Cope's notes)): Matthew 13:3, 10, 13, 24, 31, 33-35, 53; Matthew 21:33, 45; ( 3. "a pithy and instructive saying, involving some likeness or comparison and having preceptive or admonitory force; an aphorism, a maxim": Luke 5:36; Luke 6:39; Matthew 15:15 (Proverbs 1:6; Ecclesiastes 1:17; Sir. 3:29(27); 4. a proverb: Luke 4:23 (1 Samuel 10:12; Ezekiel 12:22; Ezekiel 18:2f). 5. an act by which one exposes himself or his possessions to danger, a venture, risk (in which sense the plural seems to be used by Plutarch, Aratus 22: διά πολλῶν ἑλιγμων καί παραβολῶν περαινοντες πρός τό τεῖχος (cf. Diodorus Siculus fragment book 30:9, 2; also variant in Thucydides 1, 131, 2 (and Poppo at the passage))); ἐν παραβολή, in risking him, i. e. at the very moment when he exposed his son to mortal peril (see παραβολεύομαι), Hebrews 11:19 (Hesychius ἐκ παραβολῆς. ἐκ παρακινδυνευματος); others with less probability explain it, in a figure, i. e. as a figure, either of the future general resurrection of all men, or of Christ offered up to God and raised again from the dead; others otherwise. Strong’s Greek 3850, παραβολή (parabolē), denotes the narrative device commonly rendered “parable.” Fifty times in the Greek New Testament, the word clusters around the ministry of Jesus Christ and appears twice in Hebrews. A parable is more than an illustrative story; it is a spiritual gem embedded in earthy language, inviting faith‐filled listeners to dig for meaning while veiling truth from the hard-hearted. Old Testament Background Parabolic speech has deep roots in Hebrew Scripture. Nathan’s rebuke of David (2 Samuel 12:1-4) and the proverbial comparisons of Ezekiel and Isaiah establish the trajectory. Jesus inherits and surpasses this tradition, transforming parables into a signature form that simultaneously fulfills prophecy: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:35, quoting Psalm 78:2). Usage in the Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke concentrate all but two New Testament occurrences. Matthew thirteen alone contains nine parables, each introduced by the formula “The kingdom of heaven is like.” Mark and Luke reveal a similar editorial interest, though Luke uniquely preserves parables such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), highlighting divine compassion. Doctrinal Purpose of Parables 1. Revelation and Concealment: After the disciples ask, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” Jesus answers, “Because the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them” (Matthew 13:10-11). Parables disclose kingdom truths to believers while hardening unbelievers, fulfilling Isaiah’s commission (Isaiah 6:9-10). Key Theological Themes Revealed • Sovereignty of God in sowing and harvesting (Matthew 13:3-9). Representative Parables • Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:3-9; Luke 8:5-8) – foundational for understanding all parables (Mark 4:13). Parables and Prophetic Fulfillment Matthew underscores prophetic fulfillment: “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables... to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Matthew 13:34-35). In their structure and impact parables serve as signs of the Messianic age, marking the arrival of the promised Prophet like Moses who mediates covenant revelation (Deuteronomy 18:15-19). Interpretive Principles 1. Context determines the central point; secondary details support, not dominate. Parables in the Epistles Hebrews employs παραβολή figuratively. The tabernacle “is an illustration for the present time” (Hebrews 9:9), and Abraham “considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which he also received him back, as a type” (Hebrews 11:19). Here parabolē communicates typology: historical events foreshadow greater realities accomplished in Christ. Pastoral and Evangelistic Applications Parables provide ready‐made gospel bridges. A pastor citing the Prodigal Son offers hope to the repentant; an evangelist recounting the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) warns the materialistic. Catechetical instruction finds clarity in the vivid imagery of seeds, soils, lamps, and banquets. Historical and Rabbinic Context First-century rabbis used mashal (parable) to elucidate Torah. Jesus both adopts and transcends this convention, speaking “with authority” (Matthew 7:29). His parables defy mere moralism, centering on Himself as the nexus of God’s kingdom. Christological Significance Every parable either explicitly or implicitly directs attention to the person and work of Jesus. The rejected son in the Vineyard Tenants (Mark 12:1-11) points to Calvary; the Bridegroom of the Virgins anticipates His return; the Shepherd seeking the lost sheep portrays His redemptive mission (Luke 15:4-7). Eschatological Dimension Parables announce both “already” and “not yet.” The Mustard Seed grows now; the Net (Matthew 13:47-50) closes at the end of the age. They stir expectancy: “When you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door” (Mark 13:29). Practical Discipleship 1. Hear: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). Parables, therefore, remain vibrant tools of divine revelation—stories with eternal stakes, summoning every listener to repent, believe, and participate in the unfolding kingdom of God. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 13:3 N-DFPGRK: πολλὰ ἐν παραβολαῖς λέγων Ἰδοὺ NAS: many things to them in parables, saying, KJV: unto them in parables, saying, Behold, INT: many things in parables saying Behold Matthew 13:10 N-DFP Matthew 13:13 N-DFP Matthew 13:18 N-AFS Matthew 13:24 N-AFS Matthew 13:31 N-AFS Matthew 13:33 N-AFS Matthew 13:34 N-DFP Matthew 13:34 N-GFS Matthew 13:35 N-DFP Matthew 13:36 N-AFS Matthew 13:53 N-AFP Matthew 15:15 N-AFS Matthew 21:33 N-AFS Matthew 21:45 N-AFP Matthew 22:1 N-DFP Matthew 24:32 N-AFS Mark 3:23 N-DFP Mark 4:2 N-DFP Mark 4:10 N-AFP Mark 4:11 N-DFP Mark 4:13 N-AFS Mark 4:13 N-AFP Mark 4:30 N-DFS Mark 4:33 N-DFP Strong's Greek 3850 |
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