Using Culturally Relevant Analogies in Biblical Teaching and Preaching
The use of culturally relevant analogies in biblical teaching and preaching draws from the biblical tradition of parables and similitudes. The Greek word parabolē, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. Similarly, the Hebrew mashal denotes a similitude [2]. These terms encompass a wide range of literary forms, from short proverbs to extended allegories [1, 2].
Jesus frequently employed parables to convey spiritual truths by drawing analogies from common aspects of life [3]. For instance, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) uses agricultural imagery to explain different responses to his message [3]. Understanding such parables requires identifying the central analogy and interpreting it within its historical and textual context [3]. The New Testament also uses parabolē to refer to proverbs, typical emblems, and allegories [2].
The Old Testament likewise contains examples of this method, where mashal can refer to proverbs (1 Samuel 10:12), prophetic utterances (Numbers 23:7), or enigmatic sayings (Psalm 78:2) [2]. Prophets, both in the Old and New Testaments, have been described as speaking through various means, including parables and similitudes [4].
The effectiveness of this teaching method lies in its ability to connect abstract spiritual concepts with familiar, concrete experiences of the audience. This approach aligns with the idea that God speaks through his prophets and teachers, using accessible language and imagery to communicate divine truths [4]. Just as Christ used examples relevant to his first-century audience, contemporary teaching can utilize analogies that resonate with modern cultural contexts to illuminate biblical principles.
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”
- 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 (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hosea 12:10: I have also spoken to the prophets,.... Or, "I will speak" (b); for this respects not the Lord's speaking by the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; though all they said were for the use of, and profitable unto, Christian churches; but his speaking by the apostles, prophets, and teachers, under the Gospel dispensation; by whom the doctrines of grace have been more clearly dispensed, and which are no other than the voice of Christ speaking in them; and which it is both a privilege to hear, and a duty to attend unto; see Eph 4:1”