parables

A parable is a succinct narrative that conveys a moral or spiritual lesson through a simple, concrete situation. It is typically presented using human characters and everyday settings rather than talking animals or fantastical elements. The term parable comes from the Greek parabole, meaning “placing beside” or “comparison.”

Parables rely on metaphor and consequence, inviting listeners to interpret the meaning themselves. They often present a problem, a choice, or a surprise that reveals an ethical truth, and they may conclude with a direct moral or a prompt to apply the lesson to life. They are usually concise and open to interpretation, requiring reflection by the audience.

Historically, parables occur in many religious and cultural traditions. They are central to the Christian Gospels, where Jesus uses parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son to illustrate themes of mercy and repentance. Similar narrative devices appear in Jewish, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions, as well as in secular storytelling.

Parables are distinct from fables, which typically use animals and state the moral explicitly, and from allegories, which are longer and interpretive throughout. In modern usage, parables are employed in education, social critique, and religious instruction to illuminate complex ideas through relatable, everyday situations.