# parable, parables # ## Definition: ## The term "parable" usually refers to a short story or object lesson that is used to explain or teach a moral truth. * Jesus used parables to teach his disciples. Although he also told parables to the crowds of people, he did not always explain the parable. * A parable could be used to reveal truth to his disciples while hiding that truth from people like the Pharisees who did not believe in Jesus. * The prophet Nathan told David a parable to show the king his terrible sin. * The story of the Good Samaritan is an example of a parable that is a story. Jesus' comparison of old and new wineskins is an example of a parable that was an object lesson to help the disciples understand Jesus' teachings. (See also: [Samaria](../names/samaria.md)) ## Bible References: ## * [Luke 05:36](rc://en/tn/help/luk/05/36) * [Luke 06:39-40](rc://en/tn/help/luk/06/39) * [Luke 08:4-6](rc://en/tn/help/luk/08/04) * [Luke 08:9-10](rc://en/tn/help/luk/08/09) * [Mark 04:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/04/01) * [Matthew 13:3-6](rc://en/tn/help/mat/13/03) * [Matthew 13:10-12](rc://en/tn/help/mat/13/10) * [Matthew 13:13-14](rc://en/tn/help/mat/13/13) ## Word Data: ## * Strong's: H1819, H4912, G3850, G3942