Bible dictionary for children
Parable
A parable is a teaching story or comparison.
In simple words
What does it mean?
A parable is a teaching story or comparison. Jesus often used ordinary things to help listeners think about God and their lives.
Matthew describes Jesus teaching with a story about a farmer sowing seed. The different soils help listeners think about receiving his message.
Talk about it
How can a story help us understand an idea?
An example from the Bible
View all stories
The Sower and the Four Soils
Matthew 13:1–23; Mark 4:1–20; Luke 8:4–15
Jesus told a parable about seed and soil to show different ways people respond to God’s word.
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Bible context & readings +
Read the surrounding passage to see who is speaking and how this word or idea is being used. The linked reading opens the full chapter.
Related reading: Matthew 13:3
He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow.Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.
