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The word "parable" is Greek in origin and means a setting side by side, a comparison. In parables, divine truth is presented by comparison with material things. The Hebrew word, mashal, which parable is used to translate, has a wider significance, and is applied to the balanced metrical form in which teaching is conveyed in the poetical books of the Old Testament. Click the button below to see definitions and examples of literary devices related to parables.

Click here to find a list of New Testament Parables. These are the parables we will study and discuss this year in stake institute classes. Just as certain miracles of Jesus were selected by the writers of the Gospels to exemplify some specific purpose or teaching, so, too, the Synoptic writers selected specific parables to emphasize and clarify Jesus' teachings during his earthly ministry.

Where are the parables in your life? How do images you encounter every day reflect the face of God? What lessons would the Lord have you learn? Take time to record object lessons and parables for yourself and your posterity. Use stories as you teach at home or at church, and discover  why the Savior taught in parables. The more we study His parables, the more likely we are to recognize teaching moments in our lives.

"Gospel light does not burst upon men in full noonday splendor, but arises in their hearts gradually, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Eventually the faithful, having continued to grow in light and truth, shall have all things revealed to them and shall know all things.

"No parable, no teaching, no mystery, no hidden thing, is to be kept from the knowledge of the faithful; eventually all things shall be revealed, and the righteous shall know them."

- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Parables were teaching tools used by the Savior to make comparisons between things familiar and things Eternal. As we study parables we will discover ways to interpret and apply these teaching stories, and look for modern parables in the world around us.

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