Term · Bible dictionary

Parable

A short story or comparison that teaches a deeper truth — Jesus' favorite teaching method, opening the kingdom of God through everyday images.

A parable «throws alongside» (Greek para + ballō) — laying an earthly story next to a heavenly truth. The prophets used them; Jesus made them his trademark teaching method.

His parables — the Sower, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Mustard Seed — reveal the kingdom of God to those with ears to hear, while veiling it from the hard-hearted. They invite us to look honestly at our own lives.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 13:34 “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.” Mark 4:33 “With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.”

Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.