[Greek] παραβολή (parabolē), [Latin] parabola: parable, a placing beside, a placing alongside, comparison, symbol, type, something that resembles something else, and illustration that teaches, analogy; (multiple scriptural references in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Hebrews)
The Parable of the Good Samaritan: painting by Balthasar van Cortbemde (1647). The priest and Levite, in the background, do not want to get involved in helping.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means a comparison (a setting beside), similitude, juxtaposition, analogy, proverb, a moving side by side, astronomical conjunction, mathematical division part, venture, geometric parabola, and sidelong direction. This term, as a rhetorical device, can be a figure of speech, metaphor, simile, allegory, proverb, and similitude. A similitude is an archaic comparison between two different things. An allegory is a story, poem, or picture which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. The poets and playwrights made use of these rhetorical devices in producing commentaries (plays) about the human condition.
Polybius’ Histories 1.2.2 states “We shall best show how marvelous and vast our subject is by comparing to the most famous empire which preceded, and measuring then with the superior greatness of Rome.” Isocrates’ Panathenaicus 12.227 states “The Tribillians who according to what all man say, are of one mind as are compared to no other people on earth.” Polybius’ Histories 15.2.13 states “But they ran alongside of the vessel, and kept attacks at her at various points, and managed to wound the marines with their darts and kill a considerable number of them.” Plato’s Timaeus 40c states “But the choric dances of these same stars and their crossings of one another, and the relative reversals and progressions of their orbits, and which of the gods meet in their conjunctions.”
Old Testament: This term, essentially meaning to be similar, finds its expression in proverbs, parables, prophecies, taunts, sayings, and allegories. Proverbs, mostly sayings which impart practical wisdom, are found in Wisdom literature and prophetic sayings. These proverbs contain examples from life, rules of prudence and courtesy, vocational advice, oral and religious direction. The Synoptic parables are most closely related to the Palestinian Rabbinic short sayings and proverbs, which focus on aspects of the Law.
Therefore, hear the word of the Lord, you arrogant, who rule this people in Jerusalem (Isa.28:14). A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother (Prov.10:1). Better a little with virtue, than a large income with injustice (Prov.16:8). The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s joy (Sir.3:29). The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will no take no action against you (1Sam.24:14). That he may comprehend proverb and parable, the words of the wise and their riddles (Prov.1:6).
New Testament:
Form of New Testament parables: This term can be illustrated as a parable, a telling of a parable, archetype (type), and proverb. Jesus tells synoptic parables in order to illuminate the truths of the kingdom of heaven. The synoptic parables include metaphors, similes, illustrative stories, and proverbs which relate to the experiences of the Palestinians Jews. These parables are to be understood in the context of Jesus’ preaching and proclamation.
Transmission of New Testament parables: The synoptic parables strongly capture the experience of the primitive Palestinian community and Jesus’ words. Any contemporaneous or subsequent changes are adapted to the intended community’s experiences, goals, and expectations. Some parables, originally addressed to opponents (self-righteous Pharisees), are now applied to believers.
Meaning and Purpose the New Testament parables: Parables were developed for the purpose of responding to the peoples’ lack of understanding. In addition, parables served to simply explain difficult subject matter. Jesus’ ideas about the kingdom (of God) and the nature of God often became very difficult to understand from the traditional Jewish perspective. Parables will fail (not be effective) if there is no spiritual understanding and/or rejection of Jesus’s teachings. Jesus faced these obstacles. Jesus often makes references to those who “may look and see but not perceive and “who hear and listen but do not understand.” The major themes of Jesus’ parables include the kingdom of God, the nature and work of God, and the destiny of man.”
Other parables: Paul does not use this term. Paul, however, as a city dweller and Hellenist, draws comparisons from all aspects of his life. Paul’s worldview is vastly different from Jesus. James does not use parables, but uses figurative language. The Book of Revelations contain many visions, allegories, symbols, but no parables.
Scripture:
“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Mt.20:16
This parable was originally addressed to opponents like the self-righteous Pharisees. This parable, later applied to believers, illustrates God’s love and the importance of service to others.
“The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and seed but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.’” Mk.4:11
Jesus understands and anticipates that there will be those who do understand the gospel message.
“This is a symbol of the present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshipper in conscience.” Heb.9:9
The present age is compared/contrasted the age to come. The present tabernacle is a figurative form of the heavenly temple.
Parabola: In mathematical terms, this is a throwing beside formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side. The path of an object under the influence of gravity ideally follows a curve of this shape. The parabola is a curve where any point is at an equal distance from a fixed point and fixed straight line.
Conclusion:
Parable, parabola
In the Hellenistic era, I was surprised by the many uses of this term. It is important to note that this term essentially means a placing (setting) aside. I did not realize that this term can also mean an astronomical conjunction and running along a ship.
Proverbs play an important role in the Wisdom and prophetic literature. A similitude, an archaic form of comparison, presents common characteristics and draws upon wisdom from two seemingly unrelated ideas. The Synoptic parable eventually becomes an adapted form of the Palestinian Rabbinic proverb (saying). A parable is a rhetorical putting alongside of ideas for purposes of comparison and understanding. Jesus uses parables to help the simple minded disciples understand His message. It is interesting to note that these parables were originally attended for Jesus’ opponents. These parables were adapted for the Christians’ beliefs and experiences. Paul draws comparisons from his own worldview.
Parable of the Good Samaritan: Jesus often employs irony in His parables. Samaritans were often despised by the Hebrews. Yet, the Samaritan helped the victim. Hence, we have the Good Samaritan. (Irony can be so ironic!)
This post, placed alongside my current understanding of parables, helped me to further understand what a parable really means. I never realized how much I didn’t know about parables. Duh!