Parable
A parable (from the Greek parabolē) is a short story that illustrates a truth about God and human nature. It is a comparison, often to contrast a mistaken view and a deeper truth. Its Greek roots are "para", as in "parallel", and "bole", as in throwing something.
Although many consider parables to be fictional, they can just as easily be based in fact.
A parable differs from a fable in that the setting is not magical (talking animals for instance). The allegory differs from the parable in length (allegories are longer) and may encompass more ideals than a parable.
Origin
The use of parables did not originate with Jesus, and the Gospel of John does not use them at all (but it does use allegories. The genre of parables already existed in the Greco-Roman-Hebrew world at the time of Jesus, and the Gospel authors Matthew, Mark, and Luke were comfortable with that style.
Parables of Jesus
See also: Biblical Parables
- The Parables of Jesus, Biblestudytools.com
- All the Parables of Jesus, Jesusfilm.org
