Principles of Parable Interpretation: Part 1

Definition and Essence of Parables

  • Conceptual Definition: At its core, a parable is a comparison derived from a story. It requires a relationship between the "story part" and the "reality part."

  • Transfer of Meaning: Something within the narrative represents a specific reality. For a parable to function, there must be a transfer of meaning from the fictional or illustrative scenario to the real-world spiritual or moral truth.

  • Historical Context of Interpretation: From the period of the early church through the Reformation, parables were historically interpreted allegorically. This shift toward the current principles of interpretation began to break the "reign" of allegorical readings during the Reformation (e.g., Calvin) and continued into the late nineteenth century.

Principle 1: Seek the One Main Point

  • Core Objective: The interpreter should step back to identify the single main idea. One must ask: Why did Jesus tell the parable? Alternatively, why did the Gospel writer choose to include it at that specific point in the narrative?

  • Avoid Over-Interpretation: It is generally unnecessary to interpret every minute detail unless absolutely required by the context. Deep symbolic meaning should not be assigned to every element of the story.

  • Adolf Jülicher (Jülicher):

    • Jülicher (pronounced with a "y" sound, like "Yulicher") published a seminal work in German, later translated as The Parable-Sayings of Jesus (18881888).

    • This work was instrumental in breaking the tradition of allegorical interpretation.

    • Main Thesis: Jülicher taught that parables teach only one main point. The details serve to provide a "realistic flavor" to the story rather than hidden theological meanings.

  • Example: The Good Samaritan:

    • The detail of the man traveling "down" from Jerusalem to Jericho is realistic because Jerusalem sits on a mountain; one travels down to go anywhere from it (3,3003,300-foot drop in elevation over 1515 miles).

    • The choice of wine and oil for wounds was simply the standard first-aid kit of the era.

    • The payment of 22 denarii was the going rate; if Jesus had said 33 or 44, the audience would have been distracted by the "inflation" or the high cost.

  • Contrast with Allegory (John Bunyan):

    • In an actual allegory like Pilgrim’s Progress, details are crucial. Characters such as "Mr. Worldly Wise" or "Mr. Evangelist" have names that explicitly define their character and significance. Parables do not typically follow this structure.

Principle 2: Consider the Context

  • Determining Intent: To find the one main point, one must consider the specific reason Jesus told the parable or why the Gospel writer included it.

  • Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10):

    • The Prompt: A lawyer stands up to "put Jesus to the test," asking about the requirements for eternal life. After Jesus points to the law (Love God and love neighbor), the lawyer asks, "Who is my neighbor?"

    • The Intent: The lawyer was seeking to "justify himself" and determine whom he was required to love and whom he could selectively avoid.

    • The Interpretation: The parable is not just a nice story about a gracious man; it is an indictment of selective love. Jesus redirects the question from "Who is my neighbor?" to "How can I be a neighbor?"

  • Example: The Prodigal Son and the Lost Series (Luke 15):

    • The Prompt: Tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to Jesus. The Pharisees and Scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."

    • The Series: Jesus tells a string of three stories: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son.

    • Pattern Analysis:

      • Lost Sheep: Lost →→ Found →→ Rejoicing (Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents).

      • Lost Coin: Lost →→ Found →→ Rejoicing (Joy in the presence of angels over one repentant sinner).

      • Lost Son: A man has two sons. The younger is lost and then found, leading to a celebration.

    • The Older Brother as the Focus: Unlike the sheep and coin stories, the narrative of the son introduces a character who refuses to rejoice. The Older Brother is not an "appendix"; he is the main point. The Pharisaical grumbling is mirrored in the brother’s refusal to celebrate the return of a sinner.

  • Craig Blomberg’s Perspective: Blomberg suggests there may be as many points as there are main characters.

    • Younger Brother: God welcomes repentant sinners.

    • Father: God is gracious.

    • Older Brother: We should celebrate God’s grace to others.

    • All three strands point to the central idea: Do not begrudge God’s generosity and grace toward others.

  • Literary Cues in Luke’s Gospel:

    • Luke 14:7 (The Wedding Feast): Luke notes Jesus told this specifically when He noticed how guests chose places of honor.

    • Luke 18:1 (The Unjust Judge/Persistent Widow): Explicitly stated purpose: "they ought always to pray and not lose heart."

    • Luke 18:9 (Pharisee and Tax Collector): Told to those who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt."

    • Luke 19:11 (The Ten Minas): Told because people "supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately." The focus is on the delay of the kingdom (the nobleman going away for a while).

Principle 3: Don't Allegorize the Parable

  • Function of Details: Details provide color, believability, and memorability, not necessarily hidden spiritual codes.

  • The "Realistic" Standard:

    • Elevation: The drop from Jerusalem (2,7742,774 feet above sea level) to Jericho (853853 feet below sea level) is a literal 3,3003,300-foot descent.

    • The Inheritance: In the Prodigal Son, asking for an inheritance early was equivalent to saying the father was "as good as dead." However, this does not mean parents should give inheritances early in real life; it is a narrative device to show the son's offense.

    • The Treasure in the Field: The man’s trickery (buying the field without telling the owner about the treasure) is not an endorsement of unethical business. The point is simply: do whatever it takes to get the treasure (the Kingdom).

    • The Ten Bridesmaids: The refusal of the wise bridesmaids to share oil is not a lesson against being kind; the point is readiness. The 50/5050/50 split (55 wise, 55 foolish) does not imply that exactly 50%50\% of humanity will be ready for the Second Coming.

  • Defining Allegory: Allegorical interpretation introduces something foreign or hidden into the text, claiming it is the "deeper" or "real" meaning.

  • Comparison vs. Allegory: While parables use representation (e.g., the Father represents God), going beyond the clear intent is dangerous.

  • Tertullian’s Allegorical Oversteps (Prodigal Son Example):

    • Inheritance: Man’s natural ability to know God.

    • The Employer of the Son: The Devil.

    • The Swine: Demons.

    • The Robe: The original righteousness Adam lost at the fall.

    • The Ring: Christian baptism.

    • The Feast: The Lord's Supper.

    • The Fatted Calf: Jesus.

  • Thomas Watson Quote: "God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick." While God can use and bless imperfect or allegorical preaching/interpretation, it does not mean one should purposely allegorize when not intended by the text.

Questions & Discussion

  • Question: What happens to the older brother at the end of the parable of the Prodigal Son? Did he eventually go in to celebrate?

  • Answer: The speaker clarifies that this question cannot be answered. The older brother is a "figment of imagination" and a character in a story. When the story ends, he ceases to exist. We are not told if he goes in because that is not part of the lesson Jesus was communicating.