parable
Parabole denotes a spoken illustrative comparison or story, and can also name a proverb or a figurative illustration.
The predominant use names spoken illustrative teaching: narratives, comparisons, and sayings set before hearers and sometimes requiring explanation. A rare occurrence labels a saying as a proverb, while Hebrews uses the term for an illustration or figurative correspondence.
Senses in use
-
Illustrative teaching story or comparison · dominant
In Matthew 13:24 the accusative singular introduces a comparison involving a person sowing seed in a field; Matthew 13:31 and Matthew 13:33 similarly introduce comparisons involving a mustard seed and leaven. In Luke 18:1 the APB renders the clause as a teaching account concerning continual prayer, while Matthew 13:36 shows disciples requesting an explanation of the comparison of the weeds.
-
Proverbial saying · rare
In Luke 4:23 the accusative singular identifies the saying addressed to Jesus, which the APB renders as “Physician, heal yourself.” The verse presents it as a concise quoted saying rather than an extended narrative comparison.
-
Figurative illustration or correspondence · rare
In Hebrews 9:9 the nominative singular identifies the preceding arrangement as an illustration for the present time, connected with gifts and sacrifices that could not clear the worshiper's conscience. In Hebrews 11:19 the dative singular occurs with Isaac's return from death; the APB presents this as occurring “in a sense,” indicating a figurative correspondence.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB usually presents the term as “parable” in teaching introductions and requests for explanation, while Luke 4:23 has “proverb” and Hebrews 9:9 has “illustration.” These renderings reflect the clauses' overall presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent in every occurrence.