What Is a Parable? | Definition & Meaning
A parable is a short and simple story that teaches some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. Although fictitious, parables present audiences with realistic scenarios and prompt them to think about how one should behave in life. Parables appear in both religious and secular literary texts.
Parable definition
A parable is a type of narrative with a moral or spiritual significance, often used as a teaching tool to impart universal truths. Parables employ familiar situations to effectively communicate timeless lessons in a memorable and engaging way.
The word “parable” comes from Greek “parabolē,” literally meaning “casting alongside” and, by extension, “comparison” or “juxtaposition.” When we hear a parable, we are meant to draw a comparison between the story and our own behavior so we can distill a lesson on how to act.
Why parables work
Parables have been used for centuries in religion, philosophy, and literature. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to simplify complex ideas through symbolism, imagery, and relatable scenarios. For example, parables like The Prodigal Son or The Good Shepherd use familiar metaphors to express abstract arguments, such as God’s unconditional love or Jesus as a true shepherd, in ways that are easy to understand.
If you heard the story about the “Boy Who Cried Wolf” as a child, you probably still remember it. Telling a child “you should not lie” is an abstract principle, whereas the story with its dire consequences paints a vivid picture of what happens if one constantly lies.
Parables also employ rhetorical devices such as repetition, contrast, and analogy to engage their audience and reinforce their messages. These techniques, combined with their symbolic and narrative elements, make parables work across time and cultures.
Characteristics of parables
Regardless the context where we encounter them, parables share some key characteristics:
- Simplicity: Parables are typically brief and concise, allowing them to quickly convey their messages without unnecessary detail. This also makes them easier to remember. For example, only the characters who are absolutely essential to the story appear, and it is rare that anyone in a parable is described in detail by the narrator.
- Realistic setting: The setting of the story is taken from ordinary life, depicting common family dynamics or everyday occupations. This makes parables relatable and accessible to a wide audience.
- Moral or spiritual lesson: A defining characteristic of parables is their didactic nature. Parables ask listeners to make judgments on the events of the story. As a result, listeners must make similar judgments in their own lives.
- Symbolism and allegory: Parables employ literary devices like symbolism and allegory to convey deeper meanings. These devices allow the stories to operate on multiple levels, offering lessons that resonate across different contexts and cultures. The Parable of the Prodigal Son, for instance, is not just about a wayward son returning home—it is an allegory about divine forgiveness and redemption.
Parable examples
The Bible is the source of many famous parables. The Parable of the Sower, found in the Gospels of Matthew (13:1-23), Mark (4:1-20), and Luke (8:4-15), illustrates how different people (the soil) respond to the message of the Gospel (the seed).
The path: Seeds that fall on the path are eaten by birds, representing those who hear the message but fail to understand or accept it.
Rocky ground: Seeds that sprout quickly but lack deep roots and wither under the sun, symbolizing those for whom the word of God does not sink into their lives. When hard times (the sun) come along, they give up.
Thorny bushes: Seeds that grow but are choked by thorns, symbolizing people distracted by worldly concerns, such as wealth or desires.
Good soil: Seeds that grow and produce a rich harvest, representing those who hear the message, internalize it, and live it out in their lives.
Jesus used an agricultural metaphor so that his audiences, who were mostly farmers, could relate to the story.
The parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant, originating from ancient Indian texts, is a well-known story that illustrates the concept of perspective and the limitations of individual understanding.
- The man who touches the tusk says that the elephant is hard and smooth, like a spear.
- Another man touches the leg and says the elephant is a pillar like a tree trunk.
- The one who touches the side says the elephant is a wall.
- The man who touches the tail says the elephant is like a rope.
- Another one touches the ear and says it is like a fan.
- The one who places his hand on the trunk says the elephant is like a thick snake.
In some versions, a sighted man enters the story and describes the entire elephant from various perspectives. The blind men then realize that they were all partially correct and partially wrong. While one’s subjective experience is true, it may not account for the whole truth.
Frequently asked questions about parables
- What is a famous parable?
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The Good Samaritan is a famous parable. In the story, a Jewish man was attacked by robbers and left half dead beside the road. Two passersby, a priest and a Levite, saw the wounded man but chose not to help. Only a third man, a Samaritan, stopped to offer help, despite the fact that Samaritans and Jews were considered enemies at the time. The message of the story is that people should love everyone, even those they might consider their enemies.
- What is the difference between parable and fable?
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The difference between a parable and a fable primarily lies in their characters and the nature of the lessons they convey.
A parable is a short story designed to teach a moral or spiritual lesson and is often found in religious texts. Parables predominantly involve human characters facing relatable situations. This enables audiences to connect with the story on a personal level. Parables encourage reflection and an understanding of deeper truths.
In contrast, fables feature animals, plants, or inanimate objects that represent human traits. Fables are generally more straightforward than parables, as their moral lessons are often explicitly stated at the end. Their purpose is to teach moral lessons about human behavior in an accessible manner.
- What is the difference between a parable and an allegory?
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The difference between a parable and an allegory lies in their purpose and complexity.
A parable is a brief and simple narrative used to illustrate a specific moral lesson or spiritual truth. Parables typically feature human characters facing moral dilemmas, and their intended message is clear-cut, such as “love your neighbor.”
An allegory, on the other hand, is a longer and more elaborate narrative where characters, events, and settings symbolically represent broader abstract ideas or moral principles. Allegories often explore complex themes like human nature, social systems, or political ideologies, and they typically require interpretation. A well-known example of an allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which critiques the dangers of totalitarian governments.
