אבנימ

Biblical Hermeneutics Part Second Chapter 13

In this chapter Terry explores the interpretation of parables, which are pre-eminent among biblical figures of speech. This is true especially since they are the vehicles particularly chosen by our Lord to set forth the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

A parable is essentially an extended simile, in which two things are set side by side for the purpose of comparison, e.g. the sower’s seed and the Word of God. The comparison is formal and explicit, and the subject matter is limited to that which is real, unlike the fable. Parables are intended to convey and embroider truth in a way that will impress the hearer and thus be remembered. So it is that a parable may be not at all clear upon first hearing, but may grow in the understanding of the hearer upon subsequent recollection and reflection.

Our Lord states that his reason for speaking in parables is to reveal truth to some and to conceal truth from others. Those to whom spiritual understanding is given will hear and comprehend, though the understanding may come gradually. But those who are not alive to the Spirit will “hear and not understand,” i.e. they will remain in the dark. Those who are inclined to hear and believe will be stimulated by the dark saying to further inquiry, but the fleshly mind will simply dismiss it as folly.

While the methods of the interpretation of parables cannot be reduced to a hard and fast formula, the careful application of sound grammatico-historical hermeneutical principles and common sense will normally yield the meaning intended. Our Lord gives two examples of the interpretation of parables, which we take as models, noting the principles employed. The interpreter should first determine the parable’s historical occasion and scope, since the similitude contained in the actual narrative must be understood within this context. This often provides clues to interpretation. Following our Lord’s example we observe that most of the details in the parable have significance attached to them, but not all the incidental features, which are simply there to adorn the story. The main connections in the narrative should be traced with the parable’s primary purpose in view. A false interpretation will betray itself by rendering some key component meaningless or absurd. Conversely, a true interpretation will normally need no defense since all the parts will plausibly fit together.