PARABLE S Of the Bible DEFINING A PARABLE

PARABLE S Of the Bible

DEFINING A PARABLE The Hebrew word for parable: MASHAL (MAWSHAWL) Simile; poem; proverb; adage – a short statement expressing a general truth. A saying usually of metaphorical nature. - The word occurs approx. 39 times in the O. T. - EXAMPLE: Job 27: 1; 29: 1

Job 27: 1 ¶ Moreover his Job continued parable, and said, Job 29: 1 ¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

English Words used in KJV for “MASHAL” “proverb” (19 times) “parable” (18 times) “byword” (1 time) “like” (1 time)

DEFINING A PARABLE One Greek word for parable: PARABOLE (PARABOLAY) Simile; proverb; adage; comparison; placing beside or together A narrative usually of fictitious nature. - The word occurs approx. 50 times in the N. T. - EXAMPLE: Matt. 15: 15; 24: 32

Matt. 15: 15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. Mt 24: 32 ¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

English Words used in KJV for “PARABOLE” “proverb” “parable” “figure” “comparison” (1 time) (46 times) (2 times) (1 time)

DEFINING A PARABLE Another Greek word for parable: PAROIMIA (PAR-OY-MEE-AH) Proverb; adage An illustration usually of fictitious nature. - The word occurs approx. 4 times in the N. T. - EXAMPLE: John 10: 6; 16: 25

John 10: 6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. John 16: 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

English Words used in KJV for “PAROIMIA” “proverb” “parable” (3 times) (1 time)

PARABLE S Of the Bible

WORKING DEFINITION A parable is an utterance that involves a comparison

WORKING DEFINITION A parable is an illustration of one subject by another

WORKING DEFINITION A parable is a symbolic story, saying or narrative of common life that conveys a moral or a lesson

INTERPRETING PARABLES REMEMBER that parables sometimes denote: a true history, or an illustrative sketch from nature; sometimes a proverb or adage; a truth darkly or figuratively expressed; a type; or a figure.

INTERPRETING PARABLES In the interpretation of a parable, its primary truth, main scope and lesson are chiefly to be considered. The minute particulars and details of the parable are not the main focus, but the meaning behind it.

INTERPRETING PARABLES The THREE main questions to ask are: (1) What is the parable saying? (2) What did it mean then? (3) What is applicable to my life?

WHY SPEAK IN PARABLES? PARABLES ARE JUST ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING THINGS THAT YOU EXPECT THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW, WILL KNOW; & THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO KNOW; WILL NOT KNOW (MATTHEW 13: 10 -16)

A Familiar O. T. Parable “The rich man, the poor man & the little lamb” (2 Samuel 12: 1 -9)

MAIN CHARACTERS The rich man: man Who does he represent? DAVID

MAIN CHARACTERS The poor man: man Who does he represent? URIAH

MAIN CHARACTERS The ewe lamb: lamb Who does the lamb represent? BATHSHEBA

PARABLE MESSAGE To whom was the parable directed? What was the parable depicting? What was the lesson or moral of the parable?

A Familiar N. T. Parable “THE SOWER” (Matthew 13: 1 -23)

MAIN CHARACTER The sower: sower Who does the sower represent? EVANGELIST, PREACHER, WITNESS, BELIEVER

KEY ELEMENTS The seed: seed What does the seed represent? THE WORD, THE GOSPEL

KEY ELEMENTS The way side: side What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears but does not understand is then distracted by the devil

KEY ELEMENTS The stony places: places What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears, understands & receives message but was not rooted & grounded

KEY ELEMENTS The thorny places: places What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears, understands & receives message but was overwhelmed by

KEY ELEMENTS The good ground: ground What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears, understands & receives message & is a doer of the word, grows by it & produces

PARABLE MESSAGE To whom was the parable directed? MULTITUDES (EVERYONE)

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the parable depicting? The various responses & results than can occur when the word is preached.

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the lesson or moral of the parable? Spread the Word (gospel) and it will accomplish what it wills. The results will speak for themselves.

PARABLE #3 “THE TREES” (Judges 9: 1 -21)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Who was the speaker of the parable? JOTHAM (Judges 9: 7)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Who was Jotham? The youngest son of Jerubbaal & brother of Abimelech (Judges 9: 1 -5)

AUDIENCE To whom was the parable directed? THE MEN OF SHECHEM (Judges 9: 7)

KEY ELEMENTS The trees: trees Who does the trees represent? THE MEN OF ISRAEL (Judges 8: 22 -23)

KEY ELEMENTS The olive tree: tree Who does the olive tree represent? GIDEON (Judges 8: 22 -23)

KEY ELEMENTS How does Gideon fit into this picture? Gideon is Jerubbaal!! (Judges 7: 1; 8: 35)

KEY ELEMENTS How does Gideon relate to the other characters? Gideon is the father of Jotham & Abimelech (Judges 8: 30 -31; 9: 1; 5)

KEY ELEMENTS The fig tree: tree Who does the fig tree represent? GIDEON’S SON (Judges 8: 22 -23)

KEY ELEMENTS The vine: vine Who does the vine represent? GIDEON’S GRANDSON (Judges 8: 22 -23)

KEY ELEMENTS The bramble: bramble Who does the bramble represent? ABIMELECH (Judges 9: 16 -18)

KEY ELEMENTS Cedars of Lebanon: Lebanon Who does the cedars represent? THE MEN OF SHECHEM (Judges 9: 15; 20)

INTERPRETATIONS Olive tree’s response (vs. 9): (vs. 9) Shall I leave the sweet, safe, quiet, useful pursuits and my significant role, for the sake of becoming a ruler? No thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS Olive tree: tree This tree was the most useful of all the trees in the forest. A tree yielding oil, used not only in food, but in various ways in the worship of God and in the consecration of men to public office such as kings, and priests, and prophets.

INTERPRETATIONS Fig tree’s response (vs. 11): (vs. 11) Shall I leave my productive service that is important to others & myself to rule people? No thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS Fig tree: tree The fruit of this tree is the sweetest or most luscious of all fruits. A full-ripe fig, has an indescribable sweetness; so much so that it is almost impossible to eat it, till a considerable time after it is gathered from the trees, and has gone through an artificial preparation.

INTERPRETATIONS Vine’s response (vs. 13): (vs. 13) Shall I forsake my vital contribution, which is appreciated by God & men, to rule over people? No thank you!

INTERPRETATIONS Vine: Vine Wine was used for worship, celebrations, banquets and weddings, and in its proper context and moderate usage; God and people were pleased with it.

INTERPRETATIONS Bramble’s response (vs. 15): (vs. 15) If you make me king & follow me; then you may expect protection under my government. But if you defy me, I will destroy you; especially you men of Shechem! YES thanks a lot; I’ll take the job!

INTERPRETATIONS Bramble: Bramble This was a rough, prickly shrub or bush that was too low to give shelter to any tree; and so far from being able to consume others, that the smallest fire will reduce it to ashes in a short time.

INTERPRETATIONS Jotham’s judgment (vs. 19 -20): 19 -20) If you have done right by Gideon & his sons then you & Abimelech will be alright, but if not; you & Abimelech will be at war & eventually destroy each other. (Judges 9: 22 -23; 49 -56)

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the parable depicting? The conspiracy of Abimelech & the men of Shechem to set up Abimelech’s kingdom & erase Gideon’s seed; thus leading to their own destruction.

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the lesson or moral of the parable? Those who seek to fight against others & unlawfully take what doesn’t belong to them, will one day be cut down.

PARABLE MESSAGE Those who are most unfaithful and worthless in private life, are often most anxious for promotion to public life; and those who promote them, may expect through them to reap the fruit of their folly.

PARABLE S Of the Bible

PARABLE #4 “THE TARES OF THE FIELD” (Matt. 13: 24 -30; 36 -43)

MAIN CHARACTERS The sower: sower Who does the sower represent? JESUS

MAIN CHARACTERS The enemy: enemy Who does the enemy represent? SATAN

MAIN CHARACTERS The reapers: reapers Who does the reapers represent? ANGELS

MAIN CHARACTERS The servants: servants Who does the servants represent? Other ANGELS

KEY ELEMENTS The field: field What does the field represent? THE WORLD

KEY ELEMENTS The tares: tares Who does the tares represent? Unbelievers / Sinners / Wicked people

KEY ELEMENTS The good seed: seed Who does the good seed represent? SAINTS / BELIEVERS

KEY ELEMENTS The wheat: wheat Who does the wheat represent? SAINTS (Growing body of believers)

KEY ELEMENTS The harvest: harvest What does the harvest represent? END OF THE WORLD

PARABLE MESSAGE To whom was the parable directed? MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the parable depicting? Jesus who first planted the gospel in the world, sent forth his saints to be witnesses in the world & church.

PARABLE MESSAGE The unbelieving sinners being influenced by Satan, oppose the saints & try to discredit their ministry and the work of the gospel.

PARABLE MESSAGE The righteous and the wicked will remain in the world & church until the end comes when God will separate the wicked unto eternal damnation & the righteous to eternal happiness.

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the lesson or moral of the parable? The children of God will not go unrewarded and the children of Satan will not go unpunished.

PARABLE MESSAGE What was the lesson or moral of the parable? God knows those who are his and one day God will clean up church and the world.

PARABLE S Of the Bible

PARABLE #5 “THE BARREN FIG TREE” (Luke 13: 6 -9)

AUDIENCE To whom was the parable directed? MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES (Luke 13: 1; 12: 1)

MAIN CHARACTERS The vineyard owner: owner Who does he represent? GOD: Father / Jesus

MAIN CHARACTERS The dresser: dresser Who does he represent? Jesus / Ministers / Leaders

KEY ELEMENTS The fig tree: tree What does it represent? Jews / Unprofitable servants

KEY ELEMENTS The vineyard: vineyard What does it represent? Judea / Wider communities / The world

Summary of theory 1 Vineyard owner: God the Father The dresser: Jesus Fig tree: Jews Vineyard: Judea

Summary of theory 2 Vineyard owner: Jesus The dresser: Ministers / Leaders Fig tree: Unprofitable servants Vineyard: Communities / World

INTERPRETATION God placed his messengers to win souls, be witnesses & work for him; but some have not done anything. As a result the request to remove the unprofitable messengers was given, but the plea came to give opportunity for repentance & growth. If results come then fine; but if no results come, then the messengers shall be removed or judged.

LESSON APPLICATIONS If those who enjoy the means of grace neglect them, and bring forth no fruits of holiness, God, in due time, will remove all such blessings from them, and leave them to endless barrenness and death.