The Role of Storytelling in Biblical Analogies and Examples
Storytelling plays a significant role in biblical communication, particularly through the use of parables and examples. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [1]. This concept is equivalent to the Hebrew mashal, which also denotes a similitude [2].
In the Old Testament, mashal is used to describe various forms of communication, including proverbs (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chron. 7:20), prophetic utterances (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), and enigmatic sayings (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6) [2]. The psalmist, for instance, recites Israel's story as a parable to teach wisdom and insight (Ps. 78:2), a verse Jesus later quoted to explain his own use of parables (Matt. 13:35) [7].
In the New Testament, parabole similarly has a broad application. It can refer to proverbs (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), typical emblems (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), or allegories (Matt. 15:15; 24:32) [2]. More specifically, parables are often understood as comparisons of earthly things with heavenly truths, presenting "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning" [2]. Jesus frequently employed parables to convey his message, such as the parable of the sower, which addresses the varied responses to his teachings [5, 6]. These stories typically draw an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth, requiring an understanding of the central analogy within its historical and textual context [5].
The Bible also uses "examples" to provide instruction and guidance. Christ himself is presented as an example (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15) [3]. Pastors are called to be examples to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3), and the experiences of the Jews serve as a warning (Heb. 4:11) [3]. The prophets are also cited as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) [3].
A distinction is often made between parables and fables. While both are narratives, a fable typically features irrational or inanimate beings acting with human interests for moral instruction, whereas a parable relates what is true to fact and teaches higher spiritual truths [4]. The Bible contains only two examples of fables, such as Jotham's fable of the trees in Judges 9:8-15 [4]. The use of storytelling in the Bible, whether through parables or examples, serves to illuminate complex spiritual concepts and provide moral and theological instruction in an accessible way.
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”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or allegory (Matt. 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, "an eart”
- 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).”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Fable — A fable is a narrative in which being irrational, and sometimes inanimate, are, for the purpose of moral instruction, feigned to act and speak with human interests and passions.--Encyc. Brit. The fable differs from the parable in that-- + The parable always relates what actually takes place, and is true to fact, which the fable is not; and + The parable teaches the higher heavenly and spiritual truths, but the fable only earthly moralities. Of the fable, as distinguished from the parable [[510]Parable], we have but two examples in the Bible: + That of the tree”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 13:3: And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, &c.--These parables are SEVEN in number; and it is not a little remarkable that while this is the sacred number, the first FOUR of them were spoken to the mixed multitude, while the remaining THREE were spoken to the Twelve in private--these divisions, four and three, being themselves notable in the symbolical arithmetic of Scripture. Another thing remarkable in the structure of these parables is, that while the first of the Seven--that of the Sower--is of the nature of an Introduction to the who”
- 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).”