Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5438 parables

Stories told to convey a general truth or spiritual message, often requiring explanation or interpretation. They were used by the prophets and featured extensively in Jesus Christ's ministry.

Parables in the OT

Told by prophets

Hosea 12:10 See also 2 Samuel 12:1-10; 1 Kings 20:35-42; Ezekiel 17:1-18; Ezekiel 20:49; Ezekiel 24:3-13

Told by others

Psalm 78:1-2 See also Judges 9:7-20; 2 Samuel 14:4-14; 2 Kings 14:9-10 pp 2 Chronicles 25:18-19; Proverbs 1:5-6

Parables in the ministry of Jesus Christ

Reasons for Jesus Christ's use of parables

Matthew 13:10-15 pp Mark 4:10-12 pp Luke 8:9-10 See also Isaiah 6:9-10

Examples of parables told by Jesus Christ

Matthew 13:3-8 pp Mark 4:3-8 pp Luke 8:5-8 See also Matthew 7:24-27 pp Luke 6:47-49 the wise and foolish builders; Matthew 13:24-30,31-32 pp Mark 4:30-32 pp Luke 13:18-19 the mustard seed; Matthew 13:33,44-50; Matthew 18:12-14 pp Luke 15:4-7 the lost sheep; Matthew 18:23-35; Matthew 20:1-16; Matthew 21:33-41 pp Mark 12:1-9 pp Luke 20:9-16 the tenants; Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 25:1-13,14-30; Mark 4:26-29; Mark 7:14-15; Luke 10:25-37; Luke 12:16-21,35-48; Luke 14:16-24; Luke 15:8-32; Luke 18:9-14; Luke 19:12-27

Interpretations of parables given by Jesus Christ

Mark 4:33-34 See also Matthew 13:18-23 pp Mark 4:14-20 pp Luke 8:11-15; Matthew 13:36-43; Mark 7:17-23

See also

1431  prophecy, OT methods
2357  Christ, parables
2363  Christ, preaching & teaching
5409  metaphor
5481  proverb
7756  preaching, content
7757  preaching, effects