What Are the Parables of Jesus?
What Are the Parables of Jesus? Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings that Jesus used to teach spiritual truths about God's kingdom.
Key verse: Matthew 13:34 (KJV)
Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings that Jesus used to teach spiritual truths about God's kingdom.
Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings that Jesus used to teach spiritual truths about God's kingdom.
"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them." — Matthew 13:34 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Jesus frequently taught through parables — short, vivid stories drawn from everyday life that illustrated spiritual truths. The Gospels record over 30 parables. When asked why He used this method, Jesus explained that parables both reveal truth to seeking hearts and conceal it from hardened ones (Matthew 13:10-17). Some of the most famous parables include: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) — teaching about loving your neighbor; The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) — illustrating God's lavish forgiveness; The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) — depicting different responses to God's Word; The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) — showing the kingdom's growth from small beginnings; The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46) — demonstrating the kingdom's supreme value; and The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) — picturing final judgment. Parables were powerful because they engaged the imagination, were easy to remember, and often contained surprising twists that challenged conventional thinking. They remain one of the most effective and beloved features of Jesus' teaching ministry.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?
What the Bible reveals about heaven, eternal life, and our future home with God.
Key Scripture References
"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them."
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables."
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Does the Parable of the Sower Mean?
Jesus explained that the four soils represent four responses to God's Word — hard hearts, shallow faith, distracted lives, and fruitful reception.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Parables of Jesus Quiz
Stories that teach the kingdom of God.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Are the Parables of Jesus?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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