lesson 2: the interpretation & theme. the nature of parables greek “parabole”...

Lesson 2:

The Interpretation & ThemeThe Interpretation & Theme

The Nature of ParablesThe Nature of Parables

• Greek “parabole” translated:Greek “parabole” translated:– Comparison (Mark 4:30)Comparison (Mark 4:30)– Figure (Heb. 9:9; 11:19)Figure (Heb. 9:9; 11:19)– Proverb (Luke 4:23)Proverb (Luke 4:23)– Parable (46 times)Parable (46 times)

• Greek “parabole” defined:Greek “parabole” defined:– Throwing or placing something beside something Throwing or placing something beside something

else for the purpose of making a comparisonelse for the purpose of making a comparison– As Jesus used them, they were stories placed As Jesus used them, they were stories placed

alongside certain truths for the purpose of alongside certain truths for the purpose of illustrating those truthsillustrating those truths

– An earthly story with a heavenly meaningAn earthly story with a heavenly meaning


• Not a simileNot a simile– Not an explicit comparison between two things essentially Not an explicit comparison between two things essentially

unlike each other, introduced with “like” or “as” (ex., “send unlike each other, introduced with “like” or “as” (ex., “send you forth as sheep,” “as Jonah was three days and three you forth as sheep,” “as Jonah was three days and three nights,” “you are like whitewashed tombs”)nights,” “you are like whitewashed tombs”)

• Not a metaphorNot a metaphor– Not an implied comparison between two things essentially Not an implied comparison between two things essentially

unlike each other (ex., “you are the salt of the earth,” unlike each other (ex., “you are the salt of the earth,” “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees”)“beware of the leaven of the Pharisees”)

• Not fablesNot fables– Not invented stories composed of unreal elements or Not invented stories composed of unreal elements or

impossible situations that could not actually have occurred impossible situations that could not actually have occurred (ex., Judg. 9:7-15)(ex., Judg. 9:7-15)

• Not an allegoryNot an allegory– Not to be understood as every detail in the story having Not to be understood as every detail in the story having

meaning where there’s really no comparison and is self-meaning where there’s really no comparison and is self-interpreting (“I am the light of the world,” “I am the door of interpreting (“I am the light of the world,” “I am the door of the sheep”)the sheep”)


• They were illustrationsThey were illustrations– Something real in life (something that Something real in life (something that

could have happened) was used as a could have happened) was used as a means of presenting a moral thoughtmeans of presenting a moral thought

• Jesus used parables frequentlyJesus used parables frequently– Estimated that 1/3 of verbal teaching was Estimated that 1/3 of verbal teaching was

in parablesin parables

The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of The Purpose of Jesus’ Use of ParablesParables

• Reveal spiritual truth clearly to those Reveal spiritual truth clearly to those who were sincerely seeking the will of who were sincerely seeking the will of God (Matt. 13:10-11, 16)God (Matt. 13:10-11, 16)– To those disposed to know and accept the To those disposed to know and accept the

truth, the parables served to arouse truth, the parables served to arouse attention and to excite inquiry.attention and to excite inquiry.

– If they did not at first apprehend the If they did not at first apprehend the meaning, they would come and ask (cf. meaning, they would come and ask (cf. Matt. 13:36; Mark 4:10)Matt. 13:36; Mark 4:10)

– Effectively separated the truth-seekers Effectively separated the truth-seekers from the non-seekersfrom the non-seekers


• Conceal truth from those who were not really Conceal truth from those who were not really interested in learning it (Matt. 13:12-15)interested in learning it (Matt. 13:12-15)– The scribes and Pharisees were constantly The scribes and Pharisees were constantly

attempting to twist the teaching of Jesus (cf. Matt. attempting to twist the teaching of Jesus (cf. Matt. 13:13-15).13:13-15).

– With no desire to know the truth, these did not With no desire to know the truth, these did not come and make inquirycome and make inquiry

– It was not that Jesus did not want them to know It was not that Jesus did not want them to know the truth; the people themselves had shut their the truth; the people themselves had shut their own eyes, ears and mindsown eyes, ears and minds

– ““Perceived He spoke of them” (Matt. 21:45; Luke Perceived He spoke of them” (Matt. 21:45; Luke 20:19)20:19)


• Cause men to assent to the truth (get Cause men to assent to the truth (get the people nodding their heads in the people nodding their heads in agreement) before they realized its agreement) before they realized its applicability to them personally when applicability to them personally when He revealed the pointsHe revealed the points– In some cases, they would convict In some cases, they would convict

themselves before they knew the main themselves before they knew the main point of His teaching (cf. Matt. 21:33-45; point of His teaching (cf. Matt. 21:33-45; cf. 2 Sam. 12:1-7)cf. 2 Sam. 12:1-7)


• Fulfill Old Testament prophecyFulfill Old Testament prophecy– ““I will open my mouth in a parable; I will I will open my mouth in a parable; I will

utter dark sayings of old, Which we have utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have heard and known, And our fathers have told us” (Psa. 78:2-3).told us” (Psa. 78:2-3).

– ““All these things Jesus spoke to the All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘I will open My mouth in prophet, saying: ‘I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world’” (Matt. from the foundation of the world’” (Matt. 13:34-35).13:34-35).


• Many advantages resulting from this Many advantages resulting from this type of teachingtype of teaching– He spoke concerning things and He spoke concerning things and

circumstances with which the first-century circumstances with which the first-century Jews were very familiar and with which Jews were very familiar and with which they could associatethey could associate• SowerSower• Mustard seedMustard seed• LeavenLeaven• MerchantMerchant• NetNet


• To convey “the mysteries of the To convey “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” in a way that men kingdom of heaven” in a way that men would be prone to remember long after would be prone to remember long after it had been givenit had been given

Guidelines for Studying the Guidelines for Studying the ParablesParables

• Avoid these two extremes:Avoid these two extremes:– Seeking to find some spiritual truth in Seeking to find some spiritual truth in

every little detailevery little detail– Saying that there is only ONE spiritual Saying that there is only ONE spiritual

truth in each parabletruth in each parable


• Three Keys to Studying ParablesThree Keys to Studying Parables– #1: Determine the Historical Background#1: Determine the Historical Background

• Look for what was happening in the verses Look for what was happening in the verses before and after the parable (cf. Luke 15:1-2)before and after the parable (cf. Luke 15:1-2)

• Look for any stated or implied purpose of the Look for any stated or implied purpose of the narrative (Luke 18:1)narrative (Luke 18:1)


• Three Keys to Studying ParablesThree Keys to Studying Parables– #2: Read the Parable Itself#2: Read the Parable Itself

• A quick read through, then a slow read that A quick read through, then a slow read that reflects upon each detailreflects upon each detail

• Consider the imagery (ex., sowing seed)Consider the imagery (ex., sowing seed)• Consider the culture (ex., marriage feasts)Consider the culture (ex., marriage feasts)• Consider the grammatical structuresConsider the grammatical structures


• Three Keys to Studying ParablesThree Keys to Studying Parables– #3: Look for the Primary Lesson#3: Look for the Primary Lesson

• Ordinarily a parable is designed to teach a Ordinarily a parable is designed to teach a primary truth (service, preparation, etc.)primary truth (service, preparation, etc.)

• Frequently there are supplementary truths Frequently there are supplementary truths embodied within the parablesembodied within the parables

• One must be very cautious to be sure that no One must be very cautious to be sure that no point is gleaned from a a parable that is point is gleaned from a a parable that is inconsistent with the story’s fundamental inconsistent with the story’s fundamental thrust, or is at variance with clear Biblical truth thrust, or is at variance with clear Biblical truth taught elsewhere in the Scripturestaught elsewhere in the Scriptures

General Theme of the Parables of General Theme of the Parables of JesusJesus

• ““The Kingdom of Heaven”The Kingdom of Heaven”– It’s the theme of Jesus’ ministry (and It’s the theme of Jesus’ ministry (and

preaching)preaching)– It’s the theme of the Sermon on the MountIt’s the theme of the Sermon on the Mount– It’s the theme of the parables of JesusIt’s the theme of the parables of Jesus

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 4:17 — “From that time Jesus Matthew 4:17 — “From that time Jesus

began to preach and to say, “Repent, for began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is at hand.” is at hand.”

– Mark 1:14-15 – “Jesus came to Galilee, Mark 1:14-15 – “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of preaching the gospel of the kingdom of the kingdom of GodGod, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and , and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’”and believe in the gospel.’”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 4:23 – “And Jesus went about all Matthew 4:23 – “And Jesus went about all

Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching preaching the gospel of the kingdomthe gospel of the kingdom, and , and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”of disease among the people.”

– Matthew 9:35 – “Then Jesus went about all Matthew 9:35 – “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching synagogues, preaching the gospel of the the gospel of the kingdomkingdom, and healing every sickness and , and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”every disease among the people.”

– Luke 4:43 – “But He said to them, ‘I must Luke 4:43 – “But He said to them, ‘I must preach preach the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God to the other to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.’”been sent.’”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 10:7 – “And as you go, preach, Matthew 10:7 – “And as you go, preach,

saying, ‘saying, ‘The kingdom of heavenThe kingdom of heaven is at is at hand.’”hand.’”

– Luke 9:2 – “He sent them to preach Luke 9:2 – “He sent them to preach the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God and to heal the sick.” and to heal the sick.”

– Luke 10:9Luke 10:9 – “And heal the sick there, and – “And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘say to them, ‘The kingdom of GodThe kingdom of God has has come near to you.’”come near to you.’”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 11:11 – “Assuredly, I say to you, Matthew 11:11 – “Assuredly, I say to you,

among those born of women there has not among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in he who is least in the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is is greater than he.”greater than he.”

– Luke 7:28 – “For I say to you, among those Luke 7:28 – “For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in is least in the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God is greater is greater than he.”than he.”


there are some standing here who shall there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in coming in His kingdomHis kingdom.”.”

– Mark 9:1 – “And He said to them, Mark 9:1 – “And He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that there are ‘Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste some standing here who will not taste death till they see death till they see the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God present with power.’”present with power.’”

– Luke 9:27 – “But I tell you truly, there are Luke 9:27 – “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste some standing here who shall not taste death till they see death till they see the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God.”.”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 19:14 – “But Jesus said, ‘Let the Matthew 19:14 – “But Jesus said, ‘Let the

little children come to Me, and do not little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of the kingdom of heavenheaven.’”.’”

– Mark 10:14 – “But when Jesus saw it, He Mark 10:14 – “But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom the kingdom of Godof God.’”.’”

– Luke 18:16 – “But Jesus called them to Him Luke 18:16 – “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God.’”.’”


unless you are converted and become as unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven.”.”

– Mark 10:15 – “Assuredly, I say to you, Mark 10:15 – “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive whoever does not receive the kingdom of the kingdom of GodGod as a little child will by no means enter as a little child will by no means enter it.”it.”

– Luke 18:17 – “Assuredly, I say to you, Luke 18:17 – “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive whoever does not receive the kingdom of the kingdom of GodGod as a little child will by no means enter as a little child will by no means enter it.”it.”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 19:23 – “Then Jesus said to His Matthew 19:23 – “Then Jesus said to His

disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom the kingdom of heavenof heaven.’”.’”

– Mark 10:23-24 – “Then Jesus looked around Mark 10:23-24 – “Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter those who have riches to enter the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God!...Children, how hard it is !...Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter for those who trust in riches to enter the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God!’”!’”

– Luke 18:24 – “And when Jesus saw that he Luke 18:24 – “And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, ‘How hard became very sorrowful, He said, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter it is for those who have riches to enter the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God!’”!’”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 19:24 – “And again I say to you, it Matthew 19:24 – “And again I say to you, it

is easier for a camel to go through the eye is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter of a needle than for a rich man to enter the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God.”.”

– Mark 10:25 – “It is easier for a camel to go Mark 10:25 – “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter man to enter the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God.”.”

– Luke 18:25 – “For it is easier for a camel to Luke 18:25 – “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter rich man to enter the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God.”.”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 26:29 – “But I say to you, I will Matthew 26:29 – “But I say to you, I will

not drink of this fruit of the vine from now not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with on until that day when I drink it new with you in you in My Father's kingdomMy Father's kingdom.”.”

– Mark 14:25 – “Assuredly, I say to you, I will Mark 14:25 – “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in that day when I drink it new in the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God.”.”

– Luke 22:18 – “For I say to you, I will not Luke 22:18 – “For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until drink of the fruit of the vine until the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God comes.” comes.”

• The theme of Jesus’ ministryThe theme of Jesus’ ministry– Matthew 16:18-19 – “And I also say to you that Matthew 16:18-19 – “And I also say to you that

you are Peter, and on this rock I will build you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My My churchchurch, and the gates of Hades shall not , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of of the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven, and whatever you , and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”heaven.”

– John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said to him, John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see born again, he cannot see the kingdom of the kingdom of GodGod.’”.’”

– John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God.’”.’”

• The theme of the Sermon on the MountThe theme of the Sermon on the Mount– Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in

spirit, For theirs is spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven.”.”– Luke 6:20 – “Then He lifted up His eyes Luke 6:20 – “Then He lifted up His eyes

toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, For yours is you poor, For yours is the kingdom of the kingdom of GodGod.’”.’”

• The theme of the Sermon on the MountThe theme of the Sermon on the Mount– Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom the kingdom

of Godof God and His righteousness, and all these and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”things shall be added to you.”

– Luke 12:31 – “But seek Luke 12:31 – “But seek the kingdom of the kingdom of GodGod, and all these things shall be added to , and all these things shall be added to you.”you.”

• The theme of the Sermon on the MountThe theme of the Sermon on the Mount– Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are

persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven.”.”

– Matthew 5:19-20 – “Whoever therefore breaks Matthew 5:19-20 – “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in teaches men so, shall be called least in the the kingdom of heavenkingdom of heaven; but whoever does and ; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in teaches them, he shall be called great in the the kingdom of heavenkingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless . For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter enter the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven.”.”

– Matthew 6:10 – “Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdomYour kingdom come. Your will come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”be done On earth as it is in heaven.”

– Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven, , but he who does the will of My Father in but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”heaven.”

• The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables– Matthew 13:11 – “He answered and said to Matthew 13:11 – “He answered and said to

them, ‘Because it has been given to you to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of know the mysteries of the kingdom of the kingdom of heavenheaven, but to them it has not been , but to them it has not been given.’”given.’”

– Mark 4:11 – “And He said to them, ‘To you Mark 4:11 – “And He said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God; but to those who are ; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables.’” outside, all things come in parables.’”

– Luke 8:10 – “And He said, ‘To you it has Luke 8:10 – “And He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the mysteries of been given to know the mysteries of the the kingdom of Godkingdom of God, but to the rest it is given , but to the rest it is given in parables, that “Seeing they may not see, in parables, that “Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.”’”And hearing they may not understand.”’”

• The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables– Mark 4:30 – “Then He said, ‘To what shall Mark 4:30 – “Then He said, ‘To what shall

we liken we liken the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God? Or with what ? Or with what parable shall we picture it?”parable shall we picture it?”

– Luke 13:18, 20 – “Then He said, ‘What is Luke 13:18, 20 – “Then He said, ‘What is the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God like? And to what shall like? And to what shall I compare it?’...And again He said, ‘To what I compare it?’...And again He said, ‘To what shall I liken shall I liken the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God?’”?’”

• The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables– Matthew 13:24 – “Another parable He put forth to them, Matthew 13:24 – “Another parable He put forth to them,

saying: ‘saying: ‘The kingdom of heavenThe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 13:31 – “Another parable He put forth to them, Matthew 13:31 – “Another parable He put forth to them,

saying: ‘saying: ‘The kingdom of heavenThe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 13:33 – “Another parable He spoke to them: Matthew 13:33 – “Another parable He spoke to them:

‘‘The kingdom of heavenThe kingdom of heaven is like …” is like …”– Matthew 13:44 – “Again, Matthew 13:44 – “Again, the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 13:45 – “Again, Matthew 13:45 – “Again, the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 13:47 – “Again, Matthew 13:47 – “Again, the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 18:23 – “Therefore Matthew 18:23 – “Therefore the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is is

like…”like…”– Matthew 20:1 – “For Matthew 20:1 – “For the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 22:2 – “Matthew 22:2 – “The kingdom of heavenThe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”– Matthew 25:1 – “Then Matthew 25:1 – “Then the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven shall be shall be

likened to…”likened to…”– Matthew 25:14 – “For Matthew 25:14 – “For the kingdom of heaventhe kingdom of heaven is like…” is like…”

• The theme of the ParablesThe theme of the Parables– Matthew 13:24 – “Another parable He put Matthew 13:24 – “Another parable He put

forth to them, saying: ‘forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of The kingdom of heavenheaven is like a man who sowed good seed is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.’”in his field.’”

– Mark 4:26 “And He said, ‘Mark 4:26 “And He said, ‘The kingdom of The kingdom of GodGod is as if a man should scatter seed on is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.’”the ground.’”

General Theme of the Parables of General Theme of the Parables of JesusJesus

• ““The Kingdom of Heaven”The Kingdom of Heaven”– Various sub-themes are emphasizedVarious sub-themes are emphasized

• The character of the KINGDOMThe character of the KINGDOM– Parable of the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Parable of the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden

Treasure, Pearl of Great PriceTreasure, Pearl of Great Price

• The character of the KINGThe character of the KING– Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, The Lost SonParable of the Workers in the Vineyard, The Lost Son

• The character of the KING’S SUBJECTSThe character of the KING’S SUBJECTS– Parable of the Good Samaritan, Persistent WidowParable of the Good Samaritan, Persistent Widow

Common-Sense with ParablesCommon-Sense with Parables

• Examine the contextual setting and Examine the contextual setting and determine the basic purpose of the parable.determine the basic purpose of the parable.

• The language of the parable must not be The language of the parable must not be pressed beyond its intended design.pressed beyond its intended design.

• No point of doctrine, that is not elsewhere No point of doctrine, that is not elsewhere clearly affirmed, may be derived from an clearly affirmed, may be derived from an incidental parabolic reference.incidental parabolic reference.

• Sometimes parables were designed to deal Sometimes parables were designed to deal with men as they viewed themselves, and with men as they viewed themselves, and not as they actually were.not as they actually were.

• It ought to be observed that some parables It ought to be observed that some parables are of prophetic thrust.are of prophetic thrust.

lesson 2: the interpretation & theme. the nature of parables greek “parabole”...

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