אבנימ

SYS 501 – Hermeneutics – Lecture 15 – Interpretation of Parables

I. Definition.

A. Etymologically is “a placing along side of for the purpose of comparison”.

1. Commonly known earthly events.
2. Analogous spiritual truths.

B. Comprise much of our Lord’s teaching concerning the Kingdom of God.

II. Purpose.

A. That the elect may know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God (Mark 4, et al.).

1. Necessary for complete doctrine of the Kingdom.
2. Necessary for a biblical eschatology in particular.

B. That these truths may be hidden from the unregenerate.

III. Principles of Interpretation.

A. Perspective Principle – relationship between natural and spiritual elements.

1. Christ teaches about His Kingdom and Himself.
2. Kingdom is viewed progressively and eschatologically.

B. Cultural Principle – relationship between narrative and current culture.

1. Cultural practices and social habits of life.
2. Historical context, events and situation.

C. Exegetical Principle.

1. Determine the one central truth being taught.
2. Note how much of the parable is already interpreted for us.
3. Look for contextual clues to interpretation, e.g. Luke 15.2 ff.
4. Compare with any evident OT association, and with any parallel account in other gospel.
5. Avoid assigning significance to accessories.

D. Doctrinal Principle.

1. Derived doctrine must accord with how the original hearers understood the parable.
2. Avoid Eisegesis, based on our own current theological debates.
3. Follow basic grammatico-historical principles.
4. Validate doctrine by other NT teaching.