Teaching Critical Evaluation of Analogies and Examples Biblically
Critical evaluation of analogies and examples in biblical interpretation involves understanding their nature, purpose, and limitations. The Greek word parabolē, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. This broad definition means that biblical analogies can range from short proverbs to extended narratives, dark prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, or expanded metaphors [1].
Jesus frequently used parables to convey spiritual truths, often drawing analogies between common aspects of life and deeper spiritual realities [3]. For instance, in Matthew 13:3-9, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, which is later interpreted in Matthew 13:18-23 [3]. This parable addresses the varied responses to Jesus' message [3]. When interpreting such analogies, it is crucial to identify the central comparison and understand it within its historical context and the specific Gospel text [3]. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not originally intended should be avoided [3]. The Jewish doctors of Jesus' time also commonly introduced parabolical illustrations with questions like, "to what is this thing like?" [6].
Beyond parables, the Bible employs various forms of examples and analogies. Christ himself is presented as an example of diligence, as seen in passages like Mark 1:35 and Luke 2:49 [2]. Believers are called to diligence in seeking God, obeying Him, hearkening to His word, striving for perfection, cultivating Christian graces, and guarding against defilement [2]. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 6:4, encourages believers to "prove his own work," meaning to examine their conduct against the words and example of Christ [5]. This self-examination, rather than comparison with others, serves as the standard for a Christian [5].
The use of analogies extends to theological arguments. For example, in 1 Corinthians 10:15, Paul appeals to the Corinthians' judgment to understand that partaking in the Lord's Supper signifies partaking of Christ, just as partaking in Jewish sacrificial meats meant partaking of God's altar, and participating in idol feasts implied fellowship with devils [8]. This demonstrates how analogies can be used to highlight the spiritual implications of actions [8].
However, critical evaluation also means recognizing the limits of analogies. While they illuminate spiritual truths, they are not always meant to be interpreted allegorically in every detail [3]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, emphasized that teachers should speak with certainty and present information gradually, like builders [4]. This suggests a careful, measured approach to conveying truth, which would naturally extend to the use and interpretation of analogies.
The Bible itself provides examples of how analogies can be misused or misunderstood. False teachers, for instance, are described as introducing "damnable heresies" by denying the Lord, leading many astray through their "pernicious ways" [7]. While this passage doesn't explicitly discuss analogies, it underscores the need for careful discernment of teachings, which often rely on illustrative language.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: 39 . Teachers should speak with certainty, 7 ; and a little at a time, 16 ; like builders, 27 . Temporal blessings given us as we can bear them, 15 . Testimony, facts the best, 49 . "Testimony of two," how applicable to God, 188 ; of man, when credible, 189 . That, expresses the consequence, not the final cause, 227 . Theaters, indecency of, 3 ; to be avoided, 4 ; corrupting tendency of, 66 ; corrupt their inmates more than prisons, 220 . Thomas, St., his fear before, exceeded by his courage after, the Crucifixion, 228 ; condemned for vain curiosity”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- Mark (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Mark 4:25: And he said,.... Still continuing his discourse on this subject, and in order to convey to the minds of his disciples clearer ideas of the Gospel dispensation, the success of the Gospel, and the usefulness of their ministration of it, for their encouragement, how unpromising soever things might then be: whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God, or with what comparison shall we compare it? It was usual with the Jewish doctors, when about to illustrate anything in a parabolical way to begin with such like questions; as, , "to what is this thing like" (d)? when the an”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 2 PETER 2 This chapter contains a description of false teachers, that were then in Christian churches, as there had been false prophets among the Jews; and they are described by the doctrines, which they privily introduced; in general, damnable heresies; in particular, denying the Lord that bought them; and by their success, having many followers of them in their pernicious ways; and by the sad effects following hereupon; with respect to the way of truth, that was blasphemed; with respect to their hearers, they, through the covetousness ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”