parable

Everyday

1. A parable is a short story with a lesson about how to live, especially one told by Jesus in the Bible. tree →
2. Any simple story used to teach a moral or religious truth can be called a parable. tree →

In the lessons

Famous parables are the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal (lost) Son, the Lost Sheep and the Sower. In RE pupils find the hidden meaning: the lost sheep shows God cares about every single person. Parables use everyday things — seeds, coins, sheep, bread — so listeners can understand. Phrases: tell a parable, the parable of the…, the meaning of the parable.

Examples

• Jesus told a parable about a farmer sowing seeds. tree →
• In the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd leaves ninety-nine to find one. tree →
• We acted out the parable of the Good Samaritan. tree →
• The meaning of the parable is that everyone is our neighbour. tree →
• Our teacher asked us to write a modern parable. tree →
• The parable of the lost son ends with a big party. tree →
• Read the parable of the intrusted talent! tree →

Note

Countable. Similar words: a fable (often with talking animals, like Aesop's fables) and an allegory (a longer story where everything stands for something). Parables usually have people, not talking animals.

In Jewish tradition

A poetic saying or oracle, from the Hebrew mashal, used of Balaam's blessings and of a song of those who "speak in parables". It can also mean a proverb, a wise saying, or a riddle-story such as Ezekiel tells.

Interpretation. Balaam's parables are read as blessings forced from him by God, even though Balak hired him to curse Israel. Job's parables and Ezekiel's riddle are read as wise speech meant to teach. A proverb in a fool's mouth is compared to limp legs because it does not work for him.

Examples

• And he took up his parable, and said: Alas, who shall live after God hath appointed him? (Torah NUM.24.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wherefore they that speak in parables say: Come ye to Heshbon! let the city of Sihon be built and established! (Torah NUM.21.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he took up his parable, and said: Arise, Balak, and hear; give ear unto me, thou son of Zippor: (Torah NUM.23.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Job again took up his parable, and said: (Writings JOB.27.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• The legs hang limp from the lame; so is a parable in the mouth of fools. (Writings PRO.26.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel, (Prophets EZK.17.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. Similar words: a fable (often with talking animals, like Aesop's fables) and an allegory (a longer story where everything stands for something). Parables usually have people, not talking animals.