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Selecting Relevant Analogies and Examples for Biblical Teaching

Biblical teaching frequently employs analogies and examples to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. The New Testament Greek word parabole (parable) signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude used to illustrate one subject by another [1]. These illustrative methods are not limited to parables but encompass a wide range of literary forms, from short proverbs and enigmatic maxims to expanded metaphors and dark prophetic utterances [1].

The Bible itself provides numerous examples for instruction and warning. Christ is presented as the ultimate example for believers in various aspects of life, including diligence, self-denial, early rising, and communion with God [2, 3, 4, 6]. For instance, Jesus's early morning devotion (Mark 1:35) serves as an example for believers' prayer lives [4]. His self-denial, evident in resisting temptation (Matthew 4:8-10) and prioritizing God's will (John 6:38), is a test of devotedness for followers (Matthew 10:37-38) [3]. The apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ left an "example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21) [5]. Similarly, John 13:15 highlights Christ's example for service [5].

Beyond Christ, biblical figures and events serve as examples. Pastors are encouraged to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [5]. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food, demonstrating diligence and self-sufficiency (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8) [8]. The experiences of the Jews are presented as a warning (Hebrews 4:11), and the prophets are cited as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) [5]. The book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, offers a "cloud of witnesses" – illustrious examples of faith from Old Testament times, detailing their specific acts of faith or their general exploits [14].

Old Testament narratives frequently provide examples of diligence, such as Abraham's early rising (Genesis 19:27), Isaac's (Genesis 26:31), Jacob's (Genesis 28:18), Joshua's (Joshua 3:1), Gideon's (Judges 6:38), Samuel's (1 Samuel 15:12), and David's (1 Samuel 17:20) [4]. These examples illustrate spiritual diligence (Romans 13:11-12) and the discharge of daily duties (Proverbs 31:15) [4]. Conversely, the Bible also uses negative examples as warnings. For instance, 2 Peter 2:4-10 uses three Old Testament examples of judgment—the angels who sinned, the flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—to demonstrate God's vindication of the faithful and condemnation of the unrighteous [13].

When teaching, biblical authors often introduce analogies with questions like "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God?" (Mark 4:25), a common rhetorical device among Jewish teachers to introduce a parable or comparison [7]. This approach helps to convey abstract spiritual concepts through relatable, concrete imagery.

The use of examples in biblical teaching is not merely illustrative but also prescriptive. Believers are called to "prove his own work" by examining their conduct against the "words and example of Christ," finding rejoicing not in comparing themselves to others, but in resembling their Lord and Master [9]. The only standard for a Christian is the word of Christ, and the only pattern for imitation is the example of Christ [9]. Paul encourages believers to be "imitators together" of him, but only insofar as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17) [12].

Even genealogies, though sometimes presenting textual differences that are difficult to reconcile, are included in Scripture, reminding readers that "the things necessary to salvation are plain enough" [10]. The application of biblical examples can also extend to Christological interpretation, where figures like David are seen as typifying Christ in their suffering, even if their confessions of sin do not apply to Christ [11].

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  4. 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 ”
  5. 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).”
  6. 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”
  7. Mark (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Mark 4:25: And he said,.... Still continuing his discourse on this subject, and in order to convey to the minds of his disciples clearer ideas of the Gospel dispensation, the success of the Gospel, and the usefulness of their ministration of it, for their encouragement, how unpromising soever things might then be: whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God, or with what comparison shall we compare it? It was usual with the Jewish doctors, when about to illustrate anything in a parabolical way to begin with such like questions; as, , "to what is this thing like" (d)? when the an”
  8. 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).”
  9. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  10. 1 Chronicles (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Chronicles 1 (introduction): This chapter and many that follow it repeat the genealogies we have hitherto met with in the sacred history, and put them all together, with considerable additions. We may be tempted, it may be, to think it would have been well if they had not been written, because, when they come to be compared with other parallel places, there are differences found, which we can scarcely accommodate to our satisfaction; yet we must not therefore stumble at the word, but bless God that the things necessary to salvation are plain enough. And since the wise God ha”
  11. Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 38:21: (Compare Psa 22:19; Psa 35:3). All terms of frequent use. In this Psalm the language is generally susceptible of application to Christ as a sufferer, David, as such, typifying Him. This does not require us to apply the confessions of sin, but only the pains or penalties which He bore for us. Next: Psalms Chapter 39”
  12. Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:17: followers--Greek, "imitators together." of me--as I am an imitator of Christ (Co1 11:1): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. Or as BENGEL "My fellow imitators of God" or "Christ"; "imitators of Christ together with me" (see on Phi 2:22; Eph 5:1). mark--for imitation. which walk so as ye have us for an ensample--In English Version of the former clause, the translation of this clause is, "those who are walking so as ye have an example in us." But in BENGEL'S translation, "inasmuch as," or "since," instead of "as."”
  13. 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”
  14. Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 11:4: The apostle, having given us a more general account of the grace of faith, now proceeds to set before us some illustrious examples of it in the Old Testament times, and these may be divided into two classes: - 1. Those whose names are mentioned, and the particular exercise and actings of whose faith are specified. 2. Those whose names are barely mentioned, and an account given in general of the exploits of their faith, which it is left to the reader to accommodate, and apply to the particular persons from what he gathers up in the sacred story. We have here those”
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