Parables Facts & Worksheets

A parable is a short, didactic tale, written in prose or verse, that illustrates one or more educational principles or ideals. Fables use animals, plants, inanimate things, or natural forces as characters, whereas parables use human characters. A parable is a form of metaphorical analogy.

See the fact file below for more information on Parables, or you can download our 32-page Parables worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

• The term parable derives from the Greek o (parabol), meaning “throwing” (bol) “alongside” (ara-), and hence means “comparison, illustration, analogy.” The Greek rhetoricians coined it as a quick imaginary narrative illustration.
• When Solomon erected the first permanent Temple in Jerusalem (about 1000 BCE), it became known as the ‘home of God,’ the center of God’s worship. 
• This new temple served as the seat of religious and political power. Israelites continued to worship and pray in their local synagogues.
• However, with its legal authority and hierarchy of Priests, High Priests, and Sanhedrin, the temple became a site of religious and financial power. 
• It was the location of the Israelite liturgy and the establishment of the Israelite priesthood.
• Three yearly holidays, Shavuot (Pentecost), Pesach (Passover), and Sukkot (Tabernacle), compelled Israelite males to visit the temple, making the Temple in Jerusalem a significant element of the people’s religious life. 
• Many Psalms, such as Psalm 24, speak of ascending to the temple.
• Early Hebrew Bible translations used the word parable to translate the Hebrew word mashal. 
• Mashal can refer to a proverb, a simile, a narrative, or a riddle. Rabbinic literature (Jewish stories created after Jesus’ time but set earlier) also contain parables. 
• “I will tell you a mashal (parable)” is how these stories frequently start. What distinguishes this type of narrative is that no one interpretation can be elicited from each parable. 
• This is evident when we read Jesus’ parables, which typically begin, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” We immediately recognize that there is no one way to grasp or comprehend the Kingdom. 
• More importantly, parables elicit a response from the reader/listener. Parables demand attention since they are usually built on an A is a B type metaphor (the Kingdom of God is a ***). 
• They tease or test the brain as it attempts to figure out what the user is saying because they cannot be interpreted literally. Even when expressed in similes (such as “God’s kingdom is like a ***”), parables need thinking and contemplation. 

CHARACTERISTICS

• A parable is a brief story that highlights a universal truth; it is a straightforward narrative. It draws a scene, describes an activity, and displays the outcomes. 
• It is sometimes distinguished from other storytelling genres, such as allegory and apologue.
• A parable frequently has a character facing a moral quandary or who makes a regrettable decision and then suffers unforeseen consequences. 
• Although the content of a parable is not always directly expressed, it is not meant to be hidden or secret but rather to be simple and evident.
• Including a subtext implying how a person should behave or what he should think is the parable’s distinguishing feature. 
• Aside from giving direction and suggestions for correct behavior in one’s life, parables usually utilize metaphorical language, allowing individuals to discuss complicated subjects more simply. 
• Parables use a readily understood tangible tale to communicate an abstract idea.
• The allegory is a more generic story genre that uses metaphor as well. The allegory, like the parable, makes a single, straightforward argument. 
• An allegory may have numerous non-contradictory interpretations to understand meanings. Context is essential for comprehending any parable. In our modern, more metropolitan understanding, the parables include nothing that we can easily connect to. 
• There are no parallels with flying travel, broken phone chargers, traffic signals, or stock market investment. They allude to a distinct period and place’s cultural and social background. 
• Then there’s the reality that parables were oral stories, and we need access to the tone of the speaker or others involved, what’s going on surrounding the story, or other contextual aspects as readers today.
• We only have the narrative described in the Bible and a few pieces of background information our research offers. 
• We learn about living in Jesus’ time as we read them. Parables tell stories about people and their lives.
• With its apparent social structure, subsistence farming, and Roman domination, this world is the first step toward their comprehension.
• The next stage is to get a sense of how the writer of each Gospel influences the recounting of Jesus’ parables – their audience, concerns, and community for whom they were writing. 
• The third stage is to become acquainted with the specific literary form of the many types of parables and their elements. Three characteristics distinguish Jesus’ parables:
• They are easy enough for everyone to grasp. The utilization of well-known instances and precise pictures aids in the accessibility of spiritual reality.
• On the other hand, parables contain a mysterious aspect, a deeper meaning that only becomes obvious after careful examination.
• If the hearer is open, the parables conceal and disclose the Kingdom in all its mystery.

TYPES OF PARABLES

There are several ways to categorize parables, but three basic categories appear consistently:

• The Parable
  • Gospel parables that are correct
  • “The Kingdom of God is like…” is usually included
  • It tells the account of a one-time, imaginary, yet plausible incident
  • Told in the past tense, ‘once upon a time’ style
• Similitude
  • Similitudes are condensed parables since they represent everyday events and stories.
  • These are called similitudes because they represent commonplace experiences and events.
  • Usually in the present tense and brief. One example is “The Lost Coin” – who wouldn’t be happy to find a lost coin?
• Exemplary
  • Make an inferred comparison.  
  • Provide an example to demonstrate a general idea. 
  • They make a comparison between an incident and a moral or religious ethic. 
  • The synoptic Gospels include only four. 

EXAMPLES OF PARABLES

• “Akhfash’s Goat” – a Persian parable

The parable of Akhfash’s goat teaches the importance of genuine understanding and warns against pretending to comprehend something, emphasizing the value of intellectual honesty and the pursuit of true knowledge.

• Hercules at the crossroads – an ancient Greek parable

The ancient Greek parable of Hercules at the crossroads conveys a lesson about the power of choice and the consequences of our actions, highlighting the importance of virtuous decision-making and the avoidance of temptation.

• Parables by Ignacy Krasicki, from his 1779 book Fables and Parables:
  • “Abuzei and Tair”

“Abuzei and Tair” by Ignacy Krasicki is a fable that emphasizes the importance of wisdom and inner virtues over material possessions, warning against becoming consumed by external beauty and highlighting the true value of personal growth and contentment.

• “The Blind Man and the Lame”

The fable “The Blind Man and the Lame” by Ignacy Krasicki imparts a lesson about the importance of cooperation, unity, and mutual support.

• “The Drunkard”

“The Drunkard” by Ignacy Krasicki is a cautionary fable highlighting the destructive consequences of excessive drinking and promoting the virtues of self-control and moderation to lead a prosperous and fulfilling life.

• “The Farmer”

The moral of Ignacy Krasicki’s fable “The Farmer” is that diligence, hard work, and contentment with one’s lot lead to success and happiness, contrasting with the folly of constantly yearning for what others possess.

• “Son and Father”

“The Son and Father” by Ignacy Krasicki imparts a moral about the importance of respecting and valuing the wisdom and guidance of elders, highlighting the folly of disregarding their advice and experiencing the consequences of one’s own arrogance.

• “The Rooster Prince” – a Hasidic parable 

“The Rooster Prince,” a Hasidic parable, teaches the moral that true leadership lies in humility, empathy, and recognizing the inner worth of others, contrasting with the superficial pursuit of power and prestige.

The table below lists the parables in the Gospels and indicates where there are similar versions in different Gospels:

Parables Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Parables across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Parables. A parable is a short, didactic tale, written in prose or verse, that illustrates one or more educational principles or ideals.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Parables Facts
2. Fable, Parable, or Allegory?
3. Gospel Parables
4. Parable Types
5. Story Analysis 
6. Town Mouse or Country Mouse?
7. The Lost Sheep
8. THe Sower
9. The Mustard Seed
10. The Prodigal Son
11. Talent Showcase

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a parable?

A parable is a short, simple story that uses everyday situations, characters, and events to convey a deeper moral, spiritual, or ethical lesson or message. Parables are often used as a teaching tool to illustrate complex concepts or principles in a more relatable and memorable way.

What is the purpose of a parable?

The primary purpose of a parable is to teach or convey a moral or spiritual truth. By using relatable stories and characters, parables engage the audience and allow them to draw insights and lessons from the narrative. Jesus Christ, for example, frequently used parables in his teachings to convey spiritual and moral principles to his followers.

What are some famous parables from different cultures?

While parables are commonly associated with religious teachings, they exist in various cultures. Some famous parables include:

• The Good Samaritan (Biblical parable)
• The Prodigal Son (Biblical parable)
• The Boy Who Cried Wolf (Aesop’s fable)
• The Tortoise and the Hare (Aesop’s fable)
• The Buddha’s Parable of the Mustard Seed

How are parables different from other types of stories?

Parables are distinct from other types of stories in that they have a specific moral or lesson embedded within them. Unlike fictional tales that focus on character development or intricate plotlines, the central purpose of a parable is to impart wisdom or teach a lesson through a simple, relatable narrative.

Why are parables an effective teaching method?

Parables are effective teaching tools for several reasons:

• They are easily relatable: By using everyday situations and familiar characters, parables resonate with the audience, making the lesson more accessible and memorable.
• They provoke thought: Parables often leave room for interpretation, encouraging listeners to reflect on the meaning and apply it to their own lives.
• They transcend time and culture: The universal themes in parables allow them to be relevant across different cultures and generations.
• They engage emotions: Parables can evoke emotions and empathy, which enhances the impact of the lesson being conveyed.

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