Biblical Parables

A Biblical Parable is a symbolic story that teaches gospel truths by comparing them to earthly things.

Many of the parables are about open-mindedness and how that leads one to truth and God. Most of New Testament parables have a surprise twist that a closed-minded mindset initially has trouble accepting, despite the indisputable logic of the parable.

Parables in the Old Testament

• The ewe-lamb - 2 Samuel 12:1-9
• The woman of Tekoah - 2 Samuel 14:1-13.

Parables in the New Testament

• The parable of the sower - Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23; Mark 4:3-9, 14-20; Luke 8:5-8, 11-15
• The parable of the wheat and the tares - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
• The parable of the grain of mustard seed - Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
• The parable of the leaven - Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21
• The parable of the treasure hid in the field - Matthew 13:44
• The parable of the pearl of great price - Matthew 13:45-46
• The parable of the net cast into the sea - Matthew 13:47-50
• The parable of the householder - Matthew 13:51-52
• The parable of the lost sheep - Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:1-7
• The parable of the unmerciful servant - Matthew 18:23-35
• Parable of the Vineyard WorkersThe parable of the laborers in the vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16
• The parable of the two sons - Matthew 21:28-32
• The parable of the wicked husbandmen - Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-20
• The parable of the wedding of the king's son - Matthew 22:1-14
• The parable of the ten virgins - Matthew 25:1-13
• The parable of the talents - Matthew 25:14-30
• The parable of the sheep and the goats - Matthew 25:31-46
• The parable of the candle under a bushel - Mark 4:21-25; Luke 8:16-18
• The parable of the seed growing secretly - Mark 4:26-29
• The parable of the good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37
• The parable of the lost coins - Luke 15:8-10
• The parable of the prodigal son - Luke 15:11-32
• The parable of the dishonest manager - Luke 16:1-8
• The parable of Lazarus and the rich man - Luke 16:19-31
• The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican - Luke 18:9-14
• The parable of the pounds - Luke 19:11-27
• The parable of the good shepherd - John 10:1-21
• The parable of the lamp under a basket - Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21,22; Luke 8:16,17 and 11:33-36
• The parable of the wise man who builds on rock - Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49

See also

• Parables about openmindness
• The Parables of Jesus Christ