Biblical Parables - Proper Interpretation

A parable is defined as a common rhetorical device used in Rabbinic literature. It typically consists of a short, succinct story that most often illustrates a specific point by means of comparison to something universally understood. However, certain parables can carry a secondary instructional element.

In Hebrew the transliterated word for parable is mashal ( ל ש מ , lamed, shin, mem).

Too often parables have been allegorized or spiritualized, assuming that they are intended to be deeply symbolic. This is the wrong interpretative approach. They are not riddles with complex messages. Rather, parables are intended to clarify a teaching, not to obscure it. They do use details to varying extents, but these are there simply to help the narrative along. Often the more complex parables found in the Biblical record are later explained (see, e.g., Matthew 13:18-23). The danger in interpreting parables is one of extremes: one tends either to look for significance in every detail, or approach a given parable from such a general view that it precludes ancillary meanings that may exist along with the main point. As a general rule, look for a singular point in a parable.

Some points to remember when interpreting parables:

1. Parables are simple stories, but often contain veiled meanings that will only be understood by those having spiritual understanding. This is why Yeshua expected His disciples to understand them (see Matthew 13: 10-16, 34-43; taken from Isaiah 6:9-10 and Psalm 78:1-4, respectively), but quoted Isaiah’s preaching for the religiously arrogant who would keep on hearing, making their ears heavy but without understanding (see Isaiah 42:20). Paradoxically, Yeshua knew that only the humble and contrite of heart would understand His message, and thus turn (teshuva) and be healed.

2. Yeshua often used parables when teaching large numbers of people, but when alone with His disciples he would explain everything (see Matthew 13:37-43).

3. Yeshua was not speaking in parables intentionally to conceal meaning, however. On the contrary, He was communicating in as simple manner as possible to convey a main point. From Matthew 13:11, we read, “It has been given to you [the disciples] to know the mysteries of heaven, but to them [the crowds] it is not given.” The disciples had been given and had appropriated grace to understand the deeper things of the Kingdom. But for the masses Yeshua quoted Isaiah 6:10, if only they would “… see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn [repent – teshuva], I would heal them.” Understanding comes through repentant hearts; the healing which follows, when combined with the working of the Holy Spirit, operates to avert impending judgment. Blinded eyes and closed hearts preclude entry of the Holy Spirit. Yeshua knew that the eyes and hearts of the religiously arrogant would not receive the moving of the Holy Spirit.

4. The context of a parable is important for proper interpretation. We should ask: To whom was Yeshua speaking? Why? What was the result, or how was it received?