Using Authentic Analogies and Examples in Biblical Communication
Biblical communication frequently employs analogies and examples to convey spiritual truths, a practice evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The Hebrew term mashal and the Greek parabolē both encompass a wide range of comparative expressions, from short proverbs to extended narratives [1, 3].
In the Old Testament, God communicated through prophets using "similitudes" [2]. These could include proverbs (1 Sam. 10:12), prophetic utterances (Num. 23:7), or enigmatic maxims (Ps. 78:2) [1, 3]. The prophet Hosea, for instance, records God stating, "I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes" [2]. This indicates that the use of comparative language was a divinely sanctioned and frequently employed method of instruction [10].
The New Testament continues this tradition, with Jesus famously teaching through parables. A parabolē is generally understood as a story that draws an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth [9]. To properly understand a parable, one must identify its central analogy, considering its historical context and its place within the Gospel narrative [9]. For example, the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3-9) addresses the varied responses to Jesus's message [9]. The Gospels themselves are accounts of Jesus's person and work, with each Gospel presenting a distinct emphasis, such as Matthew portraying Jesus as the promised King and Mark as a prophet [4].
Beyond parables, the New Testament also uses examples to illustrate moral and theological points. Christ himself is presented as an example for believers (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15) [5]. Pastors are encouraged to be examples to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 1 Pet. 5:3), and the experiences of the Jews serve as a warning (Heb. 4:11) [5]. The concept of sin, for instance, is often explained through examples, such as the "vanity" of sinful acts (Prov. 30:8) or the "heinous and aggravated" sin of the first pair in Eden, which was not merely eating fruit but a profound act of disobedience and ingratitude [6, 8]. Augustine, as cited by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, explains that while believers are "born of God," those who commit sin are "of the devil" not by birth but by imitation [7].
The use of authentic analogies and examples thus serves to make complex spiritual realities more accessible and relatable, grounding divine truths in familiar human experiences.
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”
- Hosea “Hosea 12:10 (ASV) — I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.”
- 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: Gospels — The central fact of Christian preaching was the intelligence that the Saviour had come into the world (Matt. 4:23; Rom. 10:15); and the first Christian preachers who called their account of the person and mission of Christ by the term evangelion_ (= good message) were called _evangelistai (= evangelists) (Eph. 4:11; Acts 21:8). There are four historical accounts of the person and work of Christ: "the first by Matthew, announcing the Redeemer as the promised King of the kingdom of God; the second by Mark, declaring him a prophet, mighty in deed and word'; th”
- 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).”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Hosea (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hosea 12:10: I have also spoken - I have used every means, and employed every method, to instruct and save you. I have sent prophets, who spake plainly, exhorting, warning, and beseeching you to return to me. They have had Divine visions, which they have declared and interpreted. They have used similitudes, symbols, metaphors, allegories, etc., in order to fix your attention, and bring you back to your duty and interest. And, alas! all is in vain; you have not profited by my condescension. This text St. Paul seems to have had full in view, when he wrote, Heb 1:1 (note): "God who”