What Are Parables? Why Did Jesus Employ Them in His Teachings?
Introduction
This post is an excerpt from a much longer post concerning “Jesus’s Parable of the Good Samaritan“. This post is intended answer 1) How does the Bible define the meaning of parables? and 2) What was the purpose behind Jesus’ employment of them when speaking to the multitudes?
What Are Parables? and What Purpose Do They Serve?
Jesus’ parables are linguistic devices consisting of “earthly”, relatable hypothetical stories, which also contain, and are intended to convey, “heavenly” (spiritual) implicitly focused lessons. Remember what Jesus said in John 3:12, “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?“
Definition of the Word “Parable”
The Bible tells us that a “parable” is something that is not obvious, and hence hidden from open view, or something that is “concealed” or “secret”.
In the New Testament, in the original Greek, the word translated as “parable” is παραβολή (parabolē)G3850. That Greek word is a composite of “pará“, meaning “alongside”, and “bállō“, meaning “to cast“. A parable is, by interpretation, a familiar thing which is cast, or put alongside, that which is unknown or concealed, and is essentially the same as “similitude” or “likeness” and a “thing serving as a figure of something else“.
Sometimes the word translated in the New Testament as “parable” is from the original Greek word παροιμία (paroimia)G3942, which is also translated as “proverb“, meaning “speech or discourse in which a thing is illustrated by the use of similes and comparisons; an allegory, i. e. extended and elaborate metaphor”
It has also been said, accurately, that parables are “earthly stories or accounts having heavenly meanings”, by which those meanings cannot be carnally understood.
In the Old Testament, the word in the original Hebrew text that is most often translated into English as “parable” is מָשָׁל (māšāl)H4912 (and which is also translated in the King James Bible as “proverb”, e.g the Book of “Proverbs” is the Book of Māšāl). Either way that it can be translated, the word מָשָׁל (māšāl)H4912 is defined as a “metaphorical adage requiring mental action.”
Jesus ONLY Spoke in Parables to the Multitudes
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus always spoke in “parables”to the multitudes. Jesus deliberately spoke in parables so that those who only had carnal ears and eyes, would hear, and not understand; and see, and not perceive. In Matthew 13:34&35 we read that:”All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables (παραβολή (parabolē))G3850; and without a parable (παραβολή (parabolē))G3850 spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables (παραβολή (parabolē))G3850; I will utter things which have been kept secret* from the foundation of the world.”” (and Jesus was referring back to the prophetic statement we find in Psalm 78:2, “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:”)
*Note: The word translated as “secret” used here derives from a Greek word κρύπτω (kryptō) G2928, that means “to conceal or hide”.
So let us look closer at Psalm 78:1&2, where God calls upon all believers to, “Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable (מָשָׁל (māšāl))H4912: I will utter dark sayings (חִידָה (ḥîḏâ)) H2420 of old:”
It is particularly noteworthy that in Psalm 78:2, this Hebrew word translated as “parable” (מָשָׁל (māšāl))H4912 is also placed together with another word that is translated as “dark sayings“. The word in the original Hebrew text that is translated into English as “dark sayings” is חִידָה (ḥîḏâ) H2420 (also used as “riddle“, “dark sentences” or “dark speech“) means “hard question”, “riddle”, “enigma”, or “puzzle”.
There are at least three other cases where God uses these exact same two Hebrew words, which are translated here in English as “parable” and a “riddle“, together to show that they are essentially synonymous. These three verses are quite profound!
- Psalm 49:3&4, “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding. I will incline mine ear to a parable (מָשָׁל (māšāl))H4912: I will open my dark saying((חִידָה (ḥîḏâ))H2420 upon the harp.“ [[Please note that God is placing “wisdom” and “understanding” together with “parables” and “dark sayings”.]]
- Proverbs 1:5&6, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb (מָשָׁל (māšāl))H4912, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings(חִידָה (ḥîḏâ)). H2420“
- Ezekiel 17:2, “Son of man, put forth a riddle (חִידָה (ḥîḏâ)) H2420, and speak a parable (מָשָׁל (māšāl))H4912 unto the house of Israel;“
But is it not interesting that in Psalm 78, immediately after declaring that the speaker would utter a “parable” and “dark sayings (חִידָה (ḥîḏâ)) H2420 of old”, the Psalmist only provides a straightforward Biblical historical account?! One might reasonably ask…Why is that?
The answer is that it is because the “plain”, “simple”, “literal” “historical” account was actually a parable (or “riddle” or “allegory“), and it is therefore also an “Historical Parable“…Psalm 78 points to the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout time and space! And it was therefore most certainly not written to be “plainly” understood!
However, Jesus Expounded/Explained the Parables to His Disciples (and to anyone else who reads those particular Biblical accounts)
But Jesus did expound the parables to His disciples. In Mark 4:34, we read, “But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”
- The disciples initially did NOT understand the meaning of Jesus’ parables
- The Bible makes us aware that Jesus explained at least two parables, which we can view retrospectively involved using scripture to interpret scripture (comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” per 1 Corinthians 2:13)
- Anyone in the world can hear the explanations of all of Jesus’ parables and potentially even understand all of them intellectually when they are explained. However, if someone has not been quickened by God, The Holy Spirit, then there will still be no impactful change in that person’s heart. The result will be that he or she will remain a reprobate, and remain spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.
Jesus explained to His disciples WHY He always spoke in parables to the multitudes. In Mark 4:11&12, we read: “And he (Jesus Christ speaking to His disciples) said unto them, Unto you (the elect) it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without (the non-elect),all [these] things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.“ Jesus was making clear that His teachings were never intended for “everyone”, but rather only to those to whom God had given “spiritual ears to hear and spiritual eyes to see“. More on this point below.
This is similarly explained by Jesus in Luke 8:10, “¶And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” God further reiterates this explanation in the following verses which provide perfect reinforcement:
- Isaiah 6:9&10, “¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”
- John 6:63, Jesus said plainly, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.” Similarly, under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.“
- John 9:39&40, “¶And [some] of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? ¶Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.“
- Acts 28:26-28, “Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.“
The point being that, when Jesus spoke, then the “plain” earthly meaning was insufficient for the vast majority of his hearers (those who were not to be counted among God’s Elect) to understand the “spiritual” or “heavenly” meaning. What Jesus said was effectively given in the form of a “riddle”, and hence having a “hidden” or “secret” meaning. The exposition of the Bible’s parables comes from God Alone, and through His Holy Spirit Alone, and not from the wisdom of men. Remembering again what we are told by The Holy Spirit inspired Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.“
The Purpose of Parables: Parables Are a Sign Pointing to Election
One might then ask, “Oh really? Well, if a Biblical parable, which is a riddle, is expounded publicly, then why would not everyone immediately understand (intellectually) the parable? Would not the exposition thereby defeat Jesus’ stated intent and purpose of the parable?”
The answer is an absolute NO! We know this is the case because Jesus did expound and explain the meanings of at least two of His parables to everyone in the world (at least to everyone who reads the Bible), because those expositions are provided to us in the Bible (the “Parable of the Sower” and the “Parable of the Wheat and the Tares“). Nonetheless, and this is the key to understanding this point, even when the heavenly/spiritual meaning is provided to everyone and anyone by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in a seemingly plainly understood way, the non-elect will still NOT spiritually perceive and NOT understand with their hearts the means to eternal life and as a result they will remain in their unsaved state of having rejected the Gospel of Salvation. The proof can be found here: Matthew 13:14, Mark 4:12, and Acts 28:26. Please also see: The Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye.
The Bible certainly makes clear that Jesus is the Only Way for mankind to make peace with God. It states clearly and unambiguously that Jesus must be the Atoning Sacrifice and Sin Bearer to pay what is the just penalty for a person’s sins (requiring spending eternity in Hell). However, the answers lie with understanding why Jesus spoke only in parables to the multitudes.
Parables were given by Jesus as a “sign” to show us that, apart from God’s Divine intervention to save someone through the quickening by God’s Holy Spirit, no one would, or could, ever be saved. Parables are evidence that salvation is by Election only. We should remember what Jesus said in John 6:44, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Only someone who has been predestinated, and chosen by God to be saved from before creation, will be saved, because he or she will have been graciously given the spiritual ears and eyes to hear and see that the Lord Jesus Christ is his or her Lord, God, and Savior. But for the non-elect, because they remain “spiritually” dead in trespasses and sins, that plainly stated Gospel message from God will still have no impact whatsoever other than to serve God’s purposes as we read in Isaiah 55:11 where God clearly states, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.”
The Bible Contains Many Parables
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of what are 18 generally accepted “parables”, spoken by Jesus, which are unique to Luke, out of a total of about 42-46 parables (depending on how one defines any individual “parable“) that are found in the whole of the first three of the four Gospels in the New Testament (the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Jesus’ parables are not literal, factual, or historial accounts, nor do they have to be, because the spiritual lessons are still true and valid regardless.
Jesus’ parables are not to be confused with “Historical Parables”, which are also found throughout the Bible, which are all unequivocally true, factual, and literal, historical accounts as opposed to illustrative and hypothetical stories. Similarly, “Geographical Parables“, as found in the Bible, reference real physical locations, which can be used to highlight spiritual concepts. Those true historical accounts and real Biblical places can also convey important spiritual lessons in the same way as do Jesus’ parables in the New Testament (the Jonah account in the Old Testament is just one example of an Historical Parable, while Mount Tabor and the River Kishon are two examples of Geographical Parables ).
Moreover, “Historical Parables” are also found in the New Testament accounts as well as the Old Testament ones. Paul’s shipwreck, that we read of in Acts 27:37 where all 276 “souls” made it safe to the Island of Melita, which is another example of an historical parable. Moreover, the Island of “Melita”, where those 276 souls landed safely, which means “Honey”, is itself, another important Geographical Parable. Despite the destruction of the ship (representing the corporate church) in the tempest, which is indicative of the “Final Tribulation” leading up to Judgment Day, all the souls, who are destined to be saved within that destroyed corporate body, will, nonetheless, all make it safely to Heaven.
And we should not forget that even Jesus’ various interactions during His earthly ministry, which were true historical accounts like Jesus’ Healing of the Ten Lepers were also Historical Parables (as opposed to being purely illustrative parables like the Prodigal Son).
God Speaks Plainly to His Own From His Word, the Bible
Parables are Understood and Made “Plain” to the Believers, God’s Elect, by The Holy Spirit
Thankfully and Joyously, for the believers whom God chooses, God makes His words (the Bible) “plain”, as we find in Proverbs 8:8, “All the words of my mouth [are] in righteousness; [there is] nothing froward or perverse in them. They [are] all plain (נָכֹחַ (nāḵōaḥ)H5228, meaning “straightforward”) to him that understandeth, and right (יָשָׁר (yāšār)H3477, meaning “straight (both literally and figuratively)” to them that find knowledge.”
This is also made clear in Isaiah 32:1-4, where we are also pointed to Jesus and His Reign in Righteousness (together with His saints): “¶Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly (צַח (ṣaḥ)H6703, which means to be “clear, “(figuratively) evident” or “perspicuous”)”
We should also remember what Jesus said to His disciples in John 16:25-29, “¶These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs (παροιμία (paroimia))G3942 (which can also be interpreted as “parable“): but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs (παροιμία (paroimia))G3942 , but I shall shew you plainly (παρρησία (parrēsia))G3954 of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. ¶His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly (παρρησία (parrēsia))G3954, and speakest no proverb (παροιμία (paroimia))G3942.”
The original Greek word that is translated into English as “proverb“, παροιμία (paroimia)G3942, means “speaking in allegory or metaphor“. The original Greek word that is translated into English as “plainly“, (παρρησία (parrēsia))G3954, means “openly, frankly, i. e. without concealment“.
This, amazingly, brings to mind, 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” The original Greek word that is translated into English as “glass” is ἔσοπτρον (esoptron)G2072 means “mirror“. The original Greek word that is translated into English as “darkly” is αἴνιγμα (ainigma)G135 means “obscure saying, enigma, riddle“, and is derived from the Greek root word αἶνος (ainos) G136 which means “laudatory or praising proverb“!
The Non-Elect Will Continue to Have Their Minds Blinded by the Devil
However, for the non-elect (the lost) God’s words are “hidden”. 2 Corinthians 4:3 states, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
It is again worth repeating 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.“
Sadly, Jesus never meant to save “everybody”. Jesus (The Good Shepherd) has His sheep (not the goats) for whom He came to seek and to save, and they will “hear” His voice. We see this clearly in John 10:3&4, “To him (the shepherd, Who is Jesus) the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” We should also know very well what is written in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” and John 10:14&15, “I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.“
Note also that Jesus, Himself, Is a Parable (hence proverb or riddle) to those who are not His, as we read in the Messianic verse, Psalm 69:11, “I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb (מָשָׁל (māšāl))H4912 to them.“
Moreover, On Judgment Day, Jesus said in Matthew 25:32-34, “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” But later in Matthew 25:41, we read this ominous statement “¶Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:“
Conclusion
Understanding the application of Parables (whether presented as instructional methods employed by Jesus, or in the form of literal historical accounts in both the Old and New Testaments) is foundational to the Doctrine of Election (stated clearly in Romans 9:6-24, please see Salvation by Election). It enables the believer to more clearly comprehend the amazing Gospel of Salvation through the Person and Work of the LORD Jesus Christ. More insights on this bonafide “Mystery” can be found in the post God’s Word is a Mystery.
Parables were never meant to serve ONLY as end in themselves, but to just as importantly serve as a metaphor for how God effectuates His Magnificent Salvation Plan. God uses them as a linguistic device to underscore God’s Sovereign Election program.
As was stated previously in the post, “Salvation by Election“, this teacher wants to make clear the following…Parables teach us of our need for Jesus as The Savior. They also can be understood by comparing scripture with scripture per the declaration of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
But we should also never forget that the devil understands parables (dark sentences) as we read in Daniel 8:23&24, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences (חִידָה (ḥîḏâ)) H2420, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.” And we must also please remember what we are told in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “¶Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith,so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.“
As hard as this post is to accept, we must remember that Jesus stated specifically, twice for emphasis, the following in John 6:44, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” and John 6:65, “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.“ (Please note the harmony with the Old Testament as we find in Psalm 65:4, “Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.“)
However, just because Election is a predetermined grace upon one individual and not another…everyone, while still living, is in no way absolved from not turning back to God in repentance for sin, and is therefore still faced with the personal reckoning. Everyone needs to ask, “Am I saved child of God or not?” IF this question is disturbing?…then that is a positive sign of being fearful of God’s wrath to come on Judgment Day and that God is instilling a desire to make peace with Him through the Atoning Sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Cry out to God for mercy and He will show mercy. However, if, on the other hand, the individual is disgusted, and does not like what has been said above, or is simply disinterested, then so be it. God Is still The Sovereign Creator, The Potter, and The Judge.
May this post (as well as each of the others found on this website) be a blessing to all who read it.
Postscript
Let it never be the case of anyone of us who reads the posts on this website what we are told in 2 Timothy 3:7, that we be “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Jesus is that Truth!
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