Parables - Introduction
Parables - Introduction
Of all the 'divers manners' [1] that God has revealed himself to man, parables are one of the most misunderstood. Theologians have been unable to agree on the interpretation of them. Parables of confusion demonstrates the problem.
Many teachings about interpreting parables mistakenly assume that parables of scripture are similar to the parables in secular writings. A few chapters are dedicated to understanding the nature of Hebrew parables.
If you haven't already, you will be tempted to jump ahead and read the interpretation of specific parables. You are certainly free to do that. If you have decided that the interpretations are just another among many, or that the interpretation is false because it is different than one that Jesus gave the apostles, be sure to return to these chapters, to find out how you cheated yourself. For many they will ring consistently true as exegeted using a first century hermeneutic.
In the exegesis of the parables, the methods used will be unfamiliar. This work is not intended to go into the proofs of such methods. They will simply be used as the apostles used them. Other works explain them in detail.
The interpretation of parables follow the same rules as the exegesis of the 'mystery' which has been hidden from the beginning. They can be seen here: Rules
The scripture speaks for itself. An interpretation comes by reading it like a Hebrew; correlating scripture with scripture, and understanding that prophecy is riddle. Jesus gave an interpretation of some of the parables, but he did not reveal the secrets of the parables until after the cross.
- Mt 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
- Mt 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
- Ps 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings [riddles] of old:
