Extrabiblical Examples Used in the Bible to Teach Lessons

The Bible frequently employs extrabiblical examples, or illustrations drawn from common life and shared understanding, to convey spiritual and moral lessons. This method of teaching is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving to make complex truths accessible and memorable.

One prominent form of extrabiblical example is the parable. The Greek word parabole signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude used to illustrate one subject by another ^[1]. Jesus extensively used parables in his teaching ministry, often sitting by the seaside or in a boat to address large crowds ^{[9, 11, 12, 13]}. These parables drew from everyday experiences, such as farming, fishing, and social dynamics, to explain the nature of the kingdom of God and ethical principles ^{[9, 12]}. For instance, the psalmist in Psalm 78:2 recites Israel's story as a parable to teach wisdom, a verse Jesus later quoted to explain his own use of parables ^[14]. The use of parables was a recognized method for teaching knowledge, as seen in the collection of Solomon's proverbs ^[15].

Beyond parables, the Bible uses various forms of examples to instruct. These can include:

Direct Examples of Conduct: The lives and actions of biblical figures, both positive and negative, serve as examples. Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example for believers in various aspects of life. His intercessory prayer ^[2], communion with God ^[3], early rising for devotion ^[5], and meekness ^[6] are all cited as examples for followers to emulate. Peter explicitly states that Christ left an example for believers to follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21) ^[4]. Similarly, pastors are encouraged to be examples to their flocks ^[4].
Warning Examples: The experiences of past generations, particularly the Israelites, are presented as cautionary tales. The Jews' failures are cited as a warning against disobedience (Hebrews 4:11) ^[4]. The judgment of angels who sinned, a widespread Jewish tradition understood from Genesis 6:1-5, is used in 2 Peter as an example of God's judgment against those who deny him ^[10].
Illustrations from Nature and Daily Life: The Bible frequently references natural phenomena and common human activities to convey spiritual truths. While not always framed as formal parables, these illustrations function similarly. For example, the diligence of early rising is exemplified by figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, and is also linked to spiritual diligence (Romans 13:11-12) ^[5]. The wicked are also shown to rise early for deceit or to execute evil plans, illustrating a negative application of the same principle ^[5].
Proverbs and Maxims: Short, pithy sayings often draw on common observations to teach wisdom. The term "parable" in the New Testament could even apply to short proverbs or enigmatic maxims ^[1]. The book of Proverbs itself is a collection of such wisdom, intended to teach knowledge ^[15].
Figurative Language: Metaphors and expanded metaphors are also considered within the broad scope of "parable" in biblical usage ^[1]. These figures of speech often draw from the known world to describe spiritual realities.

The effectiveness of teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world ^[8]. Paul, for instance, provided an example by working for his own food, demonstrating diligence and self-sufficiency (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8) ^[8]. The concept of "example" extends to various relationships and roles, including masters (Genesis 24:12-14), servants (Luke 7:2-3), children (Matthew 15:22), and friends (Job 42:8) ^[2]. Even the concept of covetousness, prohibited in the Tenth Commandment, is illustrated through numerous biblical cross-references that depict the desire for what belongs to others, such as Eve's desire for the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6) or Achan's desire for plunder (Joshua 7:21) ^[7].

The use of extrabiblical examples demonstrates a pedagogical approach that connects divine truth to human experience, making the abstract concrete and the unfamiliar understandable. This method allows for a deeper engagement with the message, as listeners and readers can relate the spiritual lesson to something they already know or observe in their world.

Sources

Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Exodus 20:17 cross-references: Genesis 3:6, Genesis 14:23, Genesis 34:23, Joshua 7:21, 1 Samuel 15:19, 2 Samuel 11:2, Job 31:1, Job 31:9, Psalms 10:3, Psalms 119:36, Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 6:24, Ecclesiastes 4:8, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Isaiah 33:15, Isaiah 57:17, Jeremiah 5:8, Jeremiah 22:17, Ezekiel 33:31, Amos 2:6, Micah 2:2, Habakkuk 2:9, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 20:15, Luke 12:15, Luke 16:14, Acts 5:4, Acts 20:33, Romans 7:7, Romans 13:9, 1 Corinthians 6:10, Ephesians 5:3, Ephesians 5:5, Philippians 3:19, Colossians 3:5, 1 Timothy 6:6, Hebrews 13:5”
2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 13 (introduction): JESUS TEACHES BY PARABLES. ( = Mark 4:1-34; Luk 8:4-18; Luk 13:18-20). (Mat. 13:1-52) The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the seaside.”
2 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Peter 2:4: 2:4-10 Three Old Testament examples of judgment show that God will vindicate those who remain faithful to him and will condemn those who deny him, including the false teachers (see 2:3). 2:4 The first example of judgment is the angels who sinned: The widespread Jewish tradition was that “the sons of God” in Gen 6:1-5 (understood as angels) had intercourse with women and were therefore judged by God at that time (see 1 Enoch 6–10; cp. 1 Pet 3:19-20; Jude 1:6). • in gloomy pits of darkness: This description of the underworld was popular in the ancient world and is p”
Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 5 (introduction): MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES--CALL OF PETER, JAMES, AND JOHN. (Luk 5:1-11) taught . . . out of the ship--(See on Mat 13:2).”
Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 4:1: 4:1-34 In this section Mark collects a number of Jesus’ teaching parables. 4:1 Jesus again uses a boat to avoid the press of the crowd when he is teaching (3:9; Luke 5:2-3).”
Mark (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Mark 3 (introduction): PARABLE OF THE SOWER--REASON FOR TEACHING IN PARABLES--PARABLES OF THE SEED GROWING WE KNOW NOT HOW, AND OF THE MUSTARD SEED. ( = Mat. 13:1-23, 31, 32; Luk 8:4-18). (Mark 4:1-34) And he began again to teach by the seaside: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude--or, according to another well-supported reading, "a mighty" or "immense multitude." so that he entered into a ship--rather, "the ship," meaning the one mentioned in Mar 3:9. (See on Mat 12:15). and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land--cro”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 78:2: 78:2 The psalmist recites Israel’s story (78:5-72) in a parable in order to teach wisdom and insight. • Jesus quoted this verse to explain why he taught in parables (Matt 13:35).”
Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25 (introduction): This verse is the title of this latter collection of Solomon's proverbs, for he sought out and set in order many proverbs, that by them he might be still teaching the people knowledge, Ecc 12:9. Observe, 1. The proverbs were Solomon's, who was divinely inspired to deliver, for the use of the church, these wise and weighty sentences; we have had many, but still there are more. Yet herein Christ is greater than Solomon, for if we had all upon record that Christ said, and did, that was instructive, the world could not contain the books that would be wr”

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