Using Analogies and Examples to Explain Biblical Concepts Culturally
Biblical concepts are frequently communicated through analogies and examples, often referred to as parables or allegories, which draw connections between familiar earthly experiences and deeper spiritual truths [8]. The Greek word parabolē signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [1]. This term is broadly applied in the New Testament, encompassing short proverbs, prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, and expanded metaphors [1, 3]. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew mashal similarly denotes a proverb, a prophetic saying, or an enigmatic statement [3].
A parable, in its more restricted New Testament sense, compares earthly things with heavenly things, serving as "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning" [3]. For instance, Jesus' parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) uses the common agricultural practice of sowing seeds to illustrate the varied responses to his message [8]. Understanding such parables requires identifying the central analogy, considering its historical context, and interpreting it within the broader Gospel narrative [8]. It is important to avoid imposing speculative allegorical meanings on every detail of a parable that were not originally intended [8].
Allegory, while related to parable, is distinct. An allegory is a figure of speech that represents one thing to evoke the representation of another, containing a meaning beyond its literal words [2]. Bishop Marsh defined it as "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing" [2]. In an allegory, there is a twofold sense: the immediate or historical meaning conveyed by the words, and the ultimate meaning signified by those words [2]. For example, some biblical passages can be understood allegorically, where elements within the narrative symbolize deeper spiritual realities.
The use of such literary devices allows for the explanation of complex spiritual truths through relatable cultural contexts. When Jesus spoke of "earthly things" to Nicodemus, he was using familiar concepts to explain spiritual rebirth, implying that if Nicodemus struggled with these, he would struggle even more with "heavenly things" that lack earthly imagery [10]. This highlights the pedagogical function of analogies in making abstract concepts accessible.
The Bible itself encourages comparing spiritual things with spiritual things [9]. This involves expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit, and illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [9]. This method of interpretation, noted by figures like Chrysostom and Grotius, underscores the interconnectedness of biblical revelation and the utility of drawing parallels within the sacred text [9].
The concept of sin, for example, is explained through various analogies. It is described as "vanity" or "sinful acts" [4], and as a state of being "of the devil" for those who commit it, contrasting with being "born of God" [5]. Augustine, as cited by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, clarified that while one can be "born of God," one is not "born of the devil," but rather becomes a "child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [5]. This distinction uses the analogy of parentage to explain spiritual alignment rather than literal procreation. Sin is also depicted as a rebellion against God, particularly in the case of deliberate sins committed with an insolent or arrogant attitude [7]. The fall of humanity is described as Adam and Eve being "beguiled" or "cajoled by flattering lies," with their sin being not merely eating fruit but a profound act of disobedience and ingratitude [6]. These examples demonstrate how biblical writers and interpreters use culturally understandable concepts like parentage, rebellion, and deception to articulate the nature and consequences of sin.
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”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Allegory — a figure of speech, which has been defined by Bishop Marsh, in accordance with its etymology as, "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing." ("A figurative representation containing a meaning other than and in addition to the literal." "A fable or parable; is a short allegory with one definite moral."--Encyc. Brit.) In every allegory there is a twofold sense--the immediate or historic, which is understood from the words, and the ultimate, which is concerned with the things signified by the words. The alle”
- 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”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- 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.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 3:12: If I have told you earthly things - If, after I have illustrated this new birth by a most expressive metaphor taken from earthly things, and after all you believe not; how can you believe, should I tell you of heavenly things, in such language as angels use, where earthly images and illustrations can have no place? Or, if you, a teacher in Israel, do not understand the nature of such an earthly thing, or custom of the kingdom established over the Jewish nation, as being born of baptism, practised every day in the initiation of proselytes, how will you understand such ”