Using Parables Effectively in Christian Communication and Teaching
The Greek term parabole means "a placing beside" or comparison, and in Scripture it encompasses a wide semantic range—from brief proverbs to extended narratives [1, 2]. The Hebrew equivalent mashal appears in contexts as varied as prophetic utterances (Numbers 23:7), enigmatic sayings (Psalm 78:2), and moral instruction (Proverbs 1:6) [2]. This flexibility suggests that parabolic communication is not a single technique but a family of comparative methods, each suited to different teaching aims.
Biblical Precedent and Purpose
Jesus employed parables extensively, speaking "all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn't speak to them" during certain phases of his ministry [7]. Mark notes that "with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it" [6], indicating pedagogical adaptation to audience capacity. Yet parables also functioned to conceal truth from those unprepared to receive it: "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand" [3]. This dual function—revelation and concealment—distinguishes parabolic teaching from straightforward exposition.
Distinguishing Parables from Fables
Effective use of parables requires clarity about what they are not. A parable "always relates what actually takes place, and is true to fact," whereas a fable employs irrational or inanimate beings in ways that violate natural order [4]. Parables teach "the higher heavenly and spiritual truths," while fables address "only earthly moralities" [4]. This distinction matters for Christian communicators: parables ground spiritual insight in the observable world, not in fantasy.
Interpretive Discipline
Modern interpreters must "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" [8]. The warning against "speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended" [8] guards against over-reading. Matthew Henry observes that Christ's parabolic method was calibrated to "keep the people attending and expecting," withholding "more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom" until the appropriate time [9]. This suggests that parables work best when they provoke reflection rather than deliver exhaustive explanation.
The prophetic tradition affirms this method: "I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables" [5]. Effective parabolic teaching thus requires discernment about when indirect speech serves the gospel better than direct assertion.
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 “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand. -- Matthew 13:13”
- 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”
- Hosea “I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables. -- Hosea 12:10”
- Mark “With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. -- Mark 4:33”
- Matthew “Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them, -- Matthew 13:34”
- 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 (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13:24: In these verses, we have, I. Another reason given why Christ preached by parables, Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35. All these things he spoke in parables, because the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom. Christ, to keep the people attending and expecting, preached in parables, and without a parable spake he not unto them; namely, at this time and in this sermon. Note, Christ tries all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men, and to make impressions upon them; if men will not be instructed and influenced by ”