Parable (summary) Flashcards
Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9)
Greek Word: σπείρω (speírō) Strong’s #4687 Definition - To sow - scatter - or plant seeds.
Parable: Jesus tells the story of a sower who scatters seed on different types of ground (path - rocky - thorny - and good soil)
Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)
Greek Word: ζιζάνιον (zizánion) Strong’s #2215 Definition - A weed or tare - often a type of false wheat.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a field where both wheat and weeds grow together. The weeds are allowed to grow until the harvest - when they will be separated.
Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33)
Greek Word: ζύμη (zýmē) Strong’s #2219 Definition - Leaven - yeast - symbolizing how something small can influence a whole batch.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to leaven that a woman mixes into flour - which affects the entire batch - illustrating the power of God’s kingdom to influence all areas of life.
Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
Greek Word: θησαυρός (thēsaurós) Strong’s #2344 Definition - Treasure - wealth - something of great value.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure in a field - which a man sells everything to buy - showing the great worth of the kingdom.
Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46)
Greek Word: μαργαρίτης (margarítēs) Strong’s #3135 Definition - Pearl - symbolizing something precious and valuable.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a merchant seeking fine pearls who - when finding one of great value - sells everything to purchase it - illustrating the worth of the kingdom.
Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50)
Greek Word: ἰχθύς (ichthýs) Strong’s #2486 Definition - Fish - symbolizing those gathered in the net.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a net that catches all kinds of fish. At the end of the age - the good will be separated from the bad - showing God’s judgment.
Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14)
Greek Word: πρόβατον (próbaton) Strong’s #4263 Definition - Sheep - used to represent lost souls.
Parable: Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for one lost sheep - illustrating God’s desire to save the lost.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)
Greek Word: δανειστής (daneistēs) Strong’s #1157 Definition - Lender - one who lends money.
Parable: Jesus tells the story of a servant forgiven a great debt who then refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him - teaching about forgiveness and mercy.
Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
Greek Word: ἀργός (argós) Strong’s #691 Definition - Worker - laborer - someone who works in the field.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a vineyard where workers are hired at different times of the day - but all receive the same wages - illustrating God’s generosity and grace.
Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
Greek Word: υἱός (huiós) Strong’s #5207 Definition - Son - used to represent obedience or disobedience to God’s will.
Parable: Jesus tells of a father who asks two sons to work in the vineyard. One says no but goes - and the other says yes but doesn’t go - illustrating true repentance and obedience.
Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46)
Greek Word: γεωργός (geōrgós) Strong’s #1092 Definition - Farmer - worker of the land.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who rents his vineyard to tenants. When he sends his servants and son - they are mistreated - symbolizing how Israel rejected the prophets and the Son of God.
Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)
Greek Word: γάμος (gámos) Strong’s #1062 Definition - Wedding feast - symbolizing the kingdom of God.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king inviting guests to a wedding banquet. Some refuse to come - while others are invited from the streets - illustrating the open invitation to God’s kingdom.
Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Greek Word: παρθένος (parthénos) Strong’s #3933 Definition - Virgin - symbolizing purity and readiness.
Parable: Jesus tells the story of ten virgins - five wise and five foolish - who wait for the bridegroom. The wise are prepared - illustrating the need for readiness for Christ’s return.
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Greek Word: ταλαντον (talanton) Strong’s #5007 Definition - Talent - a unit of money symbolizing gifts or abilities.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man who entrusts his servants with talents. The servants who invest their talents are rewarded - illustrating the need to use God’s gifts wisely.
Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Greek Word: Σαμαρίτης (Samaritēs) Strong’s #4541 Definition - Samaritan - representing those outside of traditional boundaries of Israel.
Parable: Jesus tells of a man beaten and left for dead - with a Samaritan who helps him - illustrating love for all people and showing mercy.
Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)
Greek Word: πλουσιος (plousios) Strong’s #4145 Definition - Rich - wealthy - or prosperous.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a rich man who stores up wealth but dies unexpectedly - illustrating the folly of living for wealth alone.
Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
Greek Word: δραχμή (drachmē) Strong’s #1406 Definition - A coin - symbolizing value or something lost.
Parable: Jesus tells of a woman who loses a coin and searches for it until she finds it - illustrating God’s joy over one sinner who repents.
Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Greek Word: υἱός (huiós) Strong’s #5207 Definition - Son - illustrating the relationship of sinners to God.
Parable: Jesus tells the story of a son who squanders his inheritance and returns to his father - who welcomes him back - illustrating God’s forgiveness and grace.
Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)
Greek Word: οἰκονόμος (oikonomos) Strong’s #3623 Definition - Steward - manager of household affairs.
Parable: Jesus tells the story of a dishonest steward who cleverly reduces debts to win favor - illustrating the wise use of earthly resources for eternal gain.
Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)
Greek Word: σινάπι (sinápi) Strong’s #4615 Definition - Mustard seed - used in the parable to illustrate something small growing into something large.
Parable: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed that - though small - grows into a large tree - symbolizing the expansive growth of God’s kingdom.
