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Interpreting the Parables
This new edition of Blomberg's valuable textbook covers interpretative methods and controversies, expounds the meaning and significance of individual three-, two- and one-point parables, and surveys the theology of God's kingdom and the Christ in the parables.
In this new and expanded edition of Interpreting the Parables, Craig Blomberg evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables - including those that have emerged in the twenty years since the first edition was published.
Taking on the prevailing views of C. H. Dodd and Joachim Jeremias, Blomberg argues for a limited allegorical approach to the parables. This widely used text has taken a minority perspective and made it mainstream, with Blomberg ably defending his approach and offering brief interpretations of all the major parables.
Interpreting the Parables can be read with profit by scholars, students, pastors and educated laypeople.
In this new and expanded edition of Interpreting the Parables, Craig Blomberg evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables - including those that have emerged in the twenty years since the first edition was published.
Taking on the prevailing views of C. H. Dodd and Joachim Jeremias, Blomberg argues for a limited allegorical approach to the parables. This widely used text has taken a minority perspective and made it mainstream, with Blomberg ably defending his approach and offering brief interpretations of all the major parables.
Interpreting the Parables can be read with profit by scholars, students, pastors and educated laypeople.
440 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 1990
51 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Craig L. Blomberg
83 books96 followersDr. Craig Blomberg joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 1986. He is currently a distinguished professor of New Testament.
Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.
In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.
Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.
In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2021
The best part of Interpreting the Parables was part 2: The meaning and significance of individual parables. In this section, he divides individual parables into three-point and two-point/one-point parables. I enjoyed the way Blomberg expounded the parables and how he was able to summarise the main points. He explains how Jesus’ audience would have understood these stories, how we can apply them today and warns against over analysing minor details. Blomberg spends a lot of time discrediting the theory that parables should only have one point. Since I didn’t believe this to be the case, this was often superfluous for me.
In part 1 Blomberg looks at the different ways theologians have understood the parables. He expanded their theories and often dismantled them. Blomberg’s perspective gave me the impression many liberal theologians believe that later editors added to the parables after the Gospel writers had completed their books. These theologians seem particularly critical of parables that have a concluding comment regarding their application. However, Blomberg gave good reasons why these concluding comments would have been part of the original text and why it’s unnecessary to believe that editors have added to the parables. This section was heavy going and intended for more academically-minded theological students.
Overall, Interpreting the Parables is a useful, resource particularly for preachers and Bible study leaders and many benefits can be gained without reading part 1.
In part 1 Blomberg looks at the different ways theologians have understood the parables. He expanded their theories and often dismantled them. Blomberg’s perspective gave me the impression many liberal theologians believe that later editors added to the parables after the Gospel writers had completed their books. These theologians seem particularly critical of parables that have a concluding comment regarding their application. However, Blomberg gave good reasons why these concluding comments would have been part of the original text and why it’s unnecessary to believe that editors have added to the parables. This section was heavy going and intended for more academically-minded theological students.
Overall, Interpreting the Parables is a useful, resource particularly for preachers and Bible study leaders and many benefits can be gained without reading part 1.
June 8, 2020
I'll certainly return to this often as I read the parables. Blomberg helps me understand like few can.
January 27, 2024
Read probably 25% for class. This is a very helpful tool in analyzing the parable genre, historical interpretations, and guides to individual parables.
November 3, 2014
Твърде често и от твърде уважавани от мен автори съм чувал, че притчите НЕ СА алегории. Въпреки всичко през изминалите години никога не съм успявал да се освободя от усещането, че те са именно това - макар не винаги да съм си го признавал. Все пак двете единствени притчи, които самият Исус тълкува са обяснени от Него именно като алегории...
Книгата на Блумбърг (първата от този автор, която чета) се оказа много приятна изненада. Той доста задълбочено разглежда същността на притчите и подходите към тях в светлината на съвременните критически методи. Заключението му е, че притчите следва да бъдат виждани именно като алегории. Както и че в егзегетиката винаги е имало течение разглеждащо ги точно по този начин.
Това не означава, че Блумбърг зачерква радикално всичко останало казано по темата - всъщност той в повечето случаи е твърде умерен и изводите му доста балансирани. Така например твърдението на Фий и Стюърт, че притчите имат за цел да накарат слушателя да вземе решение е напълно подкрепен. По същия начин Блумбърг намира за неприемлива древната тенденция ВСЕКИ детайл от дадена притча да бъде свързван с някакво различно значение. Последното той нарича алегоризация разграничавайки я от алегорията като разказ в който НЯКОИ (но в никакъв случай всички) основни компонента сочат към значение отвъд себе си. Накрая Блумбърг (според мен правилно) атакува доминиращото виждане, че притчите целят да представят една основна идея. Неговото мнение е, че в повечето случаи акцентите всъщност са няколко - обикновено 3 или 2.
Като цяло първата част на книгата ми беше най-интересна и полезна. Втората, която прави общ обзор на основните притчи в НЗ и извежда някои богословски изводи от тях, не ме впечатли по никакъв начин. Въпреки това книгата със сигурност си заслужаваше прочита. Тепърва ще преосмислям доста неща от нея.
Книгата на Блумбърг (първата от този автор, която чета) се оказа много приятна изненада. Той доста задълбочено разглежда същността на притчите и подходите към тях в светлината на съвременните критически методи. Заключението му е, че притчите следва да бъдат виждани именно като алегории. Както и че в егзегетиката винаги е имало течение разглеждащо ги точно по този начин.
Това не означава, че Блумбърг зачерква радикално всичко останало казано по темата - всъщност той в повечето случаи е твърде умерен и изводите му доста балансирани. Така например твърдението на Фий и Стюърт, че притчите имат за цел да накарат слушателя да вземе решение е напълно подкрепен. По същия начин Блумбърг намира за неприемлива древната тенденция ВСЕКИ детайл от дадена притча да бъде свързван с някакво различно значение. Последното той нарича алегоризация разграничавайки я от алегорията като разказ в който НЯКОИ (но в никакъв случай всички) основни компонента сочат към значение отвъд себе си. Накрая Блумбърг (според мен правилно) атакува доминиращото виждане, че притчите целят да представят една основна идея. Неговото мнение е, че в повечето случаи акцентите всъщност са няколко - обикновено 3 или 2.
Като цяло първата част на книгата ми беше най-интересна и полезна. Втората, която прави общ обзор на основните притчи в НЗ и извежда някои богословски изводи от тях, не ме впечатли по никакъв начин. Въпреки това книгата със сигурност си заслужаваше прочита. Тепърва ще преосмислям доста неща от нея.
November 6, 2024
Blomberg divides his book into to main sections: an account of the history of interpretation of parables, and a commentary on the parables.
The first section is immensely helpful in understanding the various approaches to parable interpretation throughout history. Blomberg presents each view and then offers his own critique of it. It should be noted that this book is not meant strictly as informational, but that Blomberg is in fact advocating for his own method of parable interpretation. He generally presents other views fairly, however, and makes a convincing argument for his own view (even if I didn't agree with him on all points).
The commentary was also very helpful. Bloomberg's insight was often eye opening and very helpful.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to preach on the parables, or study them more generally.
The first section is immensely helpful in understanding the various approaches to parable interpretation throughout history. Blomberg presents each view and then offers his own critique of it. It should be noted that this book is not meant strictly as informational, but that Blomberg is in fact advocating for his own method of parable interpretation. He generally presents other views fairly, however, and makes a convincing argument for his own view (even if I didn't agree with him on all points).
The commentary was also very helpful. Bloomberg's insight was often eye opening and very helpful.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to preach on the parables, or study them more generally.
December 12, 2012
People like to tell stories and they like to listen to them. They like listening to the retelling of history in story form and the telling of made-up stories for the purpose of making a point. While interpreting the retelling of history is fairly straight forward the interpreting of made-up stories is not. Many people groups and religions use stories for various and similar purposes. Christianity is no different. Stories that are made-up with the intent of teaching a lesson are typically called parables. While there are few parables within the Old Testament the Gospels in the New Testament are saturated with them.
Following a long line of contributions to the field of hermeneutics and parables, and amidst a myriad of proposals, Craig Blomberg has updated his original work on the parables with the second edition of his Interpreting the Parables by IVP. In many ways this is two books in one as it deals with both the history of hermeneutical method and a discussion of proper hermeneutical method. Further, as one reads the book it becomes apparent that the book serves as more of a handbook (though a rather long one) than a straightforward theology of the parables since there is only one chapter dealing with the theology of the parables and the section dealing with Blomberg’s proposed hermeneutical method is not exhaustive (though extremely helpful).
History of Method
The first section addresses the history of methods that have been employed by various interpreters of the parables. Blomberg points out that the various methods that have been proposed have been so varied because interpreters have landed in different places when it comes to defining the nature of parable and allegory. Parables have basically been thought of as a story told with “one main point of comparison between the activity in the story and Jesus’ understanding of the kingdom of God, and thus they teach one primary lesson.” (p. 33) Allegories on the other hand are “more complex stories that require numerous details in them to be ‘decoded’.” (p. 34) The point at which such varied interpretations of the parables has arisen is in seeking to answer the question as to how much of the parables or an individual parable is to be interpreted allegorically, if at all. In an effort to better grasp the point to which the parables are allegorical in nature, Blomberg looks at the contemporary literature of the Gospels and rabbinical literature. In the final analysis of each, Blomberg concludes that the parables contained in the Gospels are “sufficiently similar to other demonstrably allegorical works that many of the too must probably be recognized as allegorical.” (p. 79)
Following this introduction to the hermeneutical debate upon which interpretation of the parables hinges, Blomberg spends three chapters discussing and critiquing the attempts of form and redaction criticism and the new literary hermeneutical methods. In conclusion to this section Blomberg summarizes the debates and methods with eighteen summary statements a few of which are worth noting:
1. In summarizing the contributions of all methods, “A better approach distinguishes among various degrees of allegorical interpretation, recognizing that every parable of Jesus contains certain elements that point to a second level of meaning and others that do not.” (p. 192)
2. Following #1 – To avoid the errors of past allegorizers, modern interpreters must also assign meanings to the details of parables that Jesus’ original audiences could have been expected to discern.” (p. 192)
3. In regards to interpreting the meaning of a parable – “No interpreter captures it all, but some do better than others.” (193)
4. “The Synoptic parables may be accepted as authentic sayings of Jesus, assuming that authenticity is defined in terms of ipsissima vox Jesus and not just ipsissima verba Jesus.” (p. 193)
5. “Differences between parallel accounts of the same parable nevertheless prove that both oral tradition and the evangelists in their editorial activity have modified the exact wording of Jesus’ original speech.” (p. 193)
6. Following #5 – “But these differences serve only to improve the style and intelligibility and to highlight distinctive redactional themes; they do not in any way distort what Jesus originally said or meant.” (p. 193)
Interpreting the Parables
In his attempt to lay out for the interpreter a balanced hermeneutical approach to the parables, Blomberg categorizes the parables into four groups: simple three-point, complex three-point, two point and one point. In these categories the word “point” refers to the focus(es) of the parables. The following is a brief description of each group with examples.
1. Simple three-point – These include an authority figure with two contrasting subordinates. Examples include the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32) with the father as the authority figure and the sons as the contrasting subordinates and the two debtors (Lk. 7:41-43) with the creditor as the authority figure and the two men forgiven different amounts as the subordinates.
2. Complex three-point – These “have more than three main characters or groups of characters but ultimately display the same triangular structure” as simple three-point parables. (p. 269) Examples include the talents (Mt. 25:14-30; Lk. 19:12-27) with a master and a wicked servant and a good servant who himself also has good and bad servants.
3. Two-point – These parables have either two contrasting figures with no authority or an authority and one subordinate. Included is the wise man and the foolish man who build their houses on different foundations (Mt. 7:24-27; Lk. 6:47-49) and the unjust judge (Lk. 18:1-8).
4. One-point – While hard to distinguish from two-point parables, these parables “seem to be so brief and to concentrate so intensively on the protagonist of the plot that they may be grouped into a distinct category of parables.” (p. 381) These include the mustard seed and the leaven (Lk. 13:18-21) and the sheep and the goats (Mt. 25:31-46)
What is so helpful about Blomberg’s approach is the simplicity these four groups can bring to informing ones interpretation of the parables. They are not meant to flatten the parables but rather point out the inherent structure of the parables to make interpretation easier and more anchored in the text. This is in turn helps to control ones allegorizing of the parables in order to keep one from interpretations that the original readers would have never imagined nor could have since they were intended to be understood by them. Blomberg offers many insights into each parable he discusses (which is most of them) and shows why some interpretations cannot fit with the intent of the passage.
A Theology of the Parables
Arguably, the primary theological focus of the parables is the kingdom of God. Underneath the focus on the kingdom of God are three smaller supporting lenses through which the parables can be seen: God, His people and those who are not His people. Since there is a time element wrapped in the parables, Blomberg rightly points out both the already and not yet aspects of the kingdom. Further, one cannot help but discuss the nature of the kingdom as it relates to the reign of Christ in regards to one’s millennial views. Feeling that neither postmillennialism, amillennialism nor classic dispensational premillennialism get it right, Blomberg champions the historic premillennial understanding of the kingdom and millennial reign of Christ (p. 425). This kingdom of God focus of the parables is best described as “God’s dynamic, personal rule through the universe, a rule that fashions a community of faithful flowers to model his mandates for creation.” (p. 445) Regardless of one’s millennial view of the kingdom of God, any adherents to the various views could agree with most or all of Blomberg’s definition whether or not they see it being played out in the same manner.
Conclusion
Interpreting the Parables is a great place to start a study on the parables for a few reasons. First, the overview of the history of interpretation will help readers see and appreciate the varied interpretational methods others have employed. While it may be right to snicker at overly allegorical interpretations of the parables, one has to appreciate the desire others have had to truly grasp their meaning – it is not always an easy task. When he clearly disagrees with an interpreter he does so respectfully. Second, while this is not an exhaustive treatment of the parables, the discussion Blomberg does provide will help to anchor readers of the text to the text itself with an eye to the original audience. Blomberg does a good job of modeling responsible use of allegorical understandings of the parables. Most of the parables are discussed and many of them have several pages of helpful discussion and exegesis. Third, in the final chapter on the theology of the parables, Blomberg helpfully synthesizes the main theological ideas addressed within them. He shows how the varied parables contribute to the whole message of the kingdom of God.
This is a helpful and responsible book for pastors, students and laymen alike.
NOTE: I received this book for free from IVP and was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. The words and thoughts expressed are my own.
Following a long line of contributions to the field of hermeneutics and parables, and amidst a myriad of proposals, Craig Blomberg has updated his original work on the parables with the second edition of his Interpreting the Parables by IVP. In many ways this is two books in one as it deals with both the history of hermeneutical method and a discussion of proper hermeneutical method. Further, as one reads the book it becomes apparent that the book serves as more of a handbook (though a rather long one) than a straightforward theology of the parables since there is only one chapter dealing with the theology of the parables and the section dealing with Blomberg’s proposed hermeneutical method is not exhaustive (though extremely helpful).
History of Method
The first section addresses the history of methods that have been employed by various interpreters of the parables. Blomberg points out that the various methods that have been proposed have been so varied because interpreters have landed in different places when it comes to defining the nature of parable and allegory. Parables have basically been thought of as a story told with “one main point of comparison between the activity in the story and Jesus’ understanding of the kingdom of God, and thus they teach one primary lesson.” (p. 33) Allegories on the other hand are “more complex stories that require numerous details in them to be ‘decoded’.” (p. 34) The point at which such varied interpretations of the parables has arisen is in seeking to answer the question as to how much of the parables or an individual parable is to be interpreted allegorically, if at all. In an effort to better grasp the point to which the parables are allegorical in nature, Blomberg looks at the contemporary literature of the Gospels and rabbinical literature. In the final analysis of each, Blomberg concludes that the parables contained in the Gospels are “sufficiently similar to other demonstrably allegorical works that many of the too must probably be recognized as allegorical.” (p. 79)
Following this introduction to the hermeneutical debate upon which interpretation of the parables hinges, Blomberg spends three chapters discussing and critiquing the attempts of form and redaction criticism and the new literary hermeneutical methods. In conclusion to this section Blomberg summarizes the debates and methods with eighteen summary statements a few of which are worth noting:
1. In summarizing the contributions of all methods, “A better approach distinguishes among various degrees of allegorical interpretation, recognizing that every parable of Jesus contains certain elements that point to a second level of meaning and others that do not.” (p. 192)
2. Following #1 – To avoid the errors of past allegorizers, modern interpreters must also assign meanings to the details of parables that Jesus’ original audiences could have been expected to discern.” (p. 192)
3. In regards to interpreting the meaning of a parable – “No interpreter captures it all, but some do better than others.” (193)
4. “The Synoptic parables may be accepted as authentic sayings of Jesus, assuming that authenticity is defined in terms of ipsissima vox Jesus and not just ipsissima verba Jesus.” (p. 193)
5. “Differences between parallel accounts of the same parable nevertheless prove that both oral tradition and the evangelists in their editorial activity have modified the exact wording of Jesus’ original speech.” (p. 193)
6. Following #5 – “But these differences serve only to improve the style and intelligibility and to highlight distinctive redactional themes; they do not in any way distort what Jesus originally said or meant.” (p. 193)
Interpreting the Parables
In his attempt to lay out for the interpreter a balanced hermeneutical approach to the parables, Blomberg categorizes the parables into four groups: simple three-point, complex three-point, two point and one point. In these categories the word “point” refers to the focus(es) of the parables. The following is a brief description of each group with examples.
1. Simple three-point – These include an authority figure with two contrasting subordinates. Examples include the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32) with the father as the authority figure and the sons as the contrasting subordinates and the two debtors (Lk. 7:41-43) with the creditor as the authority figure and the two men forgiven different amounts as the subordinates.
2. Complex three-point – These “have more than three main characters or groups of characters but ultimately display the same triangular structure” as simple three-point parables. (p. 269) Examples include the talents (Mt. 25:14-30; Lk. 19:12-27) with a master and a wicked servant and a good servant who himself also has good and bad servants.
3. Two-point – These parables have either two contrasting figures with no authority or an authority and one subordinate. Included is the wise man and the foolish man who build their houses on different foundations (Mt. 7:24-27; Lk. 6:47-49) and the unjust judge (Lk. 18:1-8).
4. One-point – While hard to distinguish from two-point parables, these parables “seem to be so brief and to concentrate so intensively on the protagonist of the plot that they may be grouped into a distinct category of parables.” (p. 381) These include the mustard seed and the leaven (Lk. 13:18-21) and the sheep and the goats (Mt. 25:31-46)
What is so helpful about Blomberg’s approach is the simplicity these four groups can bring to informing ones interpretation of the parables. They are not meant to flatten the parables but rather point out the inherent structure of the parables to make interpretation easier and more anchored in the text. This is in turn helps to control ones allegorizing of the parables in order to keep one from interpretations that the original readers would have never imagined nor could have since they were intended to be understood by them. Blomberg offers many insights into each parable he discusses (which is most of them) and shows why some interpretations cannot fit with the intent of the passage.
A Theology of the Parables
Arguably, the primary theological focus of the parables is the kingdom of God. Underneath the focus on the kingdom of God are three smaller supporting lenses through which the parables can be seen: God, His people and those who are not His people. Since there is a time element wrapped in the parables, Blomberg rightly points out both the already and not yet aspects of the kingdom. Further, one cannot help but discuss the nature of the kingdom as it relates to the reign of Christ in regards to one’s millennial views. Feeling that neither postmillennialism, amillennialism nor classic dispensational premillennialism get it right, Blomberg champions the historic premillennial understanding of the kingdom and millennial reign of Christ (p. 425). This kingdom of God focus of the parables is best described as “God’s dynamic, personal rule through the universe, a rule that fashions a community of faithful flowers to model his mandates for creation.” (p. 445) Regardless of one’s millennial view of the kingdom of God, any adherents to the various views could agree with most or all of Blomberg’s definition whether or not they see it being played out in the same manner.
Conclusion
Interpreting the Parables is a great place to start a study on the parables for a few reasons. First, the overview of the history of interpretation will help readers see and appreciate the varied interpretational methods others have employed. While it may be right to snicker at overly allegorical interpretations of the parables, one has to appreciate the desire others have had to truly grasp their meaning – it is not always an easy task. When he clearly disagrees with an interpreter he does so respectfully. Second, while this is not an exhaustive treatment of the parables, the discussion Blomberg does provide will help to anchor readers of the text to the text itself with an eye to the original audience. Blomberg does a good job of modeling responsible use of allegorical understandings of the parables. Most of the parables are discussed and many of them have several pages of helpful discussion and exegesis. Third, in the final chapter on the theology of the parables, Blomberg helpfully synthesizes the main theological ideas addressed within them. He shows how the varied parables contribute to the whole message of the kingdom of God.
This is a helpful and responsible book for pastors, students and laymen alike.
NOTE: I received this book for free from IVP and was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. The words and thoughts expressed are my own.
July 3, 2021
I just finished "Interpreting The Parables," by Craig Blomberg.
I'm trying to get more exegetical works in my diet. This is the first of four in my short stack that I am reading to this end. The down side is that since exegesis is a weak spot I will have little to say about the book. No offence because it is quite interesting.
The book is split into two sections: method and analysis. The method section talks about the difference between parable and allegory. And then he speaks about form and redaction criticism, and then ends speaking about the new hermeneutical methods. This section was a bit of heavy lifting for me because, as stated above, I have been reading almost totally theological works thus far.
The parable section was broken into three: three, two and one point parables. This was very good. There was some very good break-down therein. I especially like how Bloomberg stressed not to press a parable too hard or far. An example is the Rich man and Lazarus. Read it and see what it says on the surface. Dont be heart broken that you cant find a correlation for every character to reality or that it may have its origins in Egyptian mythology (not to mention, so I have heard, in the Apocalypse of Zephaniah). And more so, dont create an in depth eschatological doctrine from it. Doing so totally transcends the intent of the parable.
The ending of the book is quite good. It deals with the Kingdom via the parables and it finally ends asking if one can gather a Christology from the parables.
Excellent book and it would also be a great reference resource.
I'm trying to get more exegetical works in my diet. This is the first of four in my short stack that I am reading to this end. The down side is that since exegesis is a weak spot I will have little to say about the book. No offence because it is quite interesting.
The book is split into two sections: method and analysis. The method section talks about the difference between parable and allegory. And then he speaks about form and redaction criticism, and then ends speaking about the new hermeneutical methods. This section was a bit of heavy lifting for me because, as stated above, I have been reading almost totally theological works thus far.
The parable section was broken into three: three, two and one point parables. This was very good. There was some very good break-down therein. I especially like how Bloomberg stressed not to press a parable too hard or far. An example is the Rich man and Lazarus. Read it and see what it says on the surface. Dont be heart broken that you cant find a correlation for every character to reality or that it may have its origins in Egyptian mythology (not to mention, so I have heard, in the Apocalypse of Zephaniah). And more so, dont create an in depth eschatological doctrine from it. Doing so totally transcends the intent of the parable.
The ending of the book is quite good. It deals with the Kingdom via the parables and it finally ends asking if one can gather a Christology from the parables.
Excellent book and it would also be a great reference resource.
March 22, 2022
A breathtaking and comprehensive book on the Parables of Jesus. Blomberg argues for the minority position of today that the parables are intended to be interpreted allegorically, yet not with the rampant and unfettered allegory of the church fathers, but with a limited allegory primarily based on the number of characters found in the parable. Essentially, the master/king/father is God (implicitly Jesus as God), and the characters relate to God either as believers or unbelievers and the call of the parables is to either repent or how believers are to live and act in this life as part of the Kingdom of God. Part 1 fleshes out Blombergs approach while interacting with the history of parable interpretation, including the 1-point approach that is the majority view today. Part 2 then sees Blomberg applying his approach to various parables (all of them?), while classifying them based on the character # and structure of the parables. Part 3 draws together in summary fashion a "theology" of the parables as a whole. This is an impressive book some minor disagreements not withstanding (I'm not sold on his historic premillenialism). I especially appreciate Blomberg arguing for the authenticity of the parables as coming from Jesus based on the structure of the parables without excising verses using form or redaction criticism. He convincingly shows that the majority view excises verses using critical tools in order to fit the parables to their preconceived notion of what Jesus must have said or meant.
March 5, 2023
Excellent resource. Comprehensive in covering all the issues and viewpoints over the centuries. Uses a unique one, two, three and four-point way of classifying the parables, depending on the number of characters in a parable and the meaning derived from each point of reference. Makes a helpful distinction between allegory and allegorizing, indicating that there are some parables that use allegory. This is the book to read to inspire you to study the parables themselves and understand the meaning and theology that Jesus intended to teach.
November 25, 2024
Really great tool for organizing the parables and looking for connecting structure. The triadic structure Blomberg proposes is really helpful with recognizing the key points Jesus was trying to make with the parables. It is a bit more academic in the sense that Blomberg finds it necessary to spend half the book defending his viewpoint and turning over every possible argument against the parables using allegory. The second half definitely is the part I would highly recommend if you don't need a thesis on why Jesus was not actually talking about sheep in his parable of the lost sheep.
August 14, 2025
Bloomberg begins by going through historical hermeneutical approaches to the parables in the Gospels. He then tackles the parables: First those which are triads (three-point form): those with two main characters or elements; and finally the six parables with only one central character. He brings to bear how different hermeneutical interpretations effect the understanding of the parable, and how that squares with the immediate context of the passage as well as the whole of scripture.
That all being said, it was not a difficult read, but rather fascinating and enlightening.
That all being said, it was not a difficult read, but rather fascinating and enlightening.
April 5, 2018
Excellent work here with a balanced approach to the parables. It’s an enriching study for sure.
April 2, 2025
It has been awhile since I read anything by Bloomberg. To be honest, I forgot how much he distains allegory, which is disappointing... especially considering the parables!
September 26, 2016
I am frustrated with the shallow treatment of parables in the church today. Compare Jesus' detailed explanation of the parable of the sower (Matthew 13) with the dozens of times you've heard the parable of the prodigal son explained as a morality tale ("We're sinners, but God is ready to forgive us."), with not even an attempt at explaining what the pigs, the ring or the fatted calf signify.
Consider why Jesus spoke in parables to begin with. His disciples were supposed to understand, but the crowds weren't. Let's give these crowds some credit. They would have easily figured out the above meaning of the parable of the prodigal son. It's not exactly a well-hidden meaning, especially for people who knew the old testament a lot better than most of us do.
Anyway, the first half of this book defends an allegorical explanation of the parables, which I thought was promising, but the second half tries to interpret the parables, using a little bit of allegory to make them into morality tales. Blomberg basically just looks for the God-character, the good-follower and the bad-follower and then tells us what to do and what not to do. He gives some excuse for not explaining the details allegorically, but it was so flimsy, I already forgot what it was.
Only the first part of this book is somewhat useful, avoid the second part.
Consider why Jesus spoke in parables to begin with. His disciples were supposed to understand, but the crowds weren't. Let's give these crowds some credit. They would have easily figured out the above meaning of the parable of the prodigal son. It's not exactly a well-hidden meaning, especially for people who knew the old testament a lot better than most of us do.
Anyway, the first half of this book defends an allegorical explanation of the parables, which I thought was promising, but the second half tries to interpret the parables, using a little bit of allegory to make them into morality tales. Blomberg basically just looks for the God-character, the good-follower and the bad-follower and then tells us what to do and what not to do. He gives some excuse for not explaining the details allegorically, but it was so flimsy, I already forgot what it was.
Only the first part of this book is somewhat useful, avoid the second part.
November 25, 2013
I probably give this close to 3.5 stars. There are certain sections of this book that are extremely y interesting and helpful (talk on new hermeneutics and post-structuralism in parable studies) but other portions that seem to drag (redaction and form criticism chapters). That being said the commentary on individual parables is helpful and Blombergs' proposal of breaking the parable up into three separate meanings based upon controlled allegorical interpretation of the main characters of the parables is useful.
November 29, 2020
One of the best analyses I have read so far on the parabolic teachings of Christ. The author does a superb job in analyzing various schools of thought on how to interpret the parables, and provides us with his own evidence to support his claims of the parables' meaning. It's very informative and insightful.
August 30, 2011
Unashamedly evangelical, but academically rigorous treatment of Jesus' parables, offering a much more dynamic picture than the previous generation of literary-critics' "one point" approach to parables. Pity his own writing wasn't so dynamic.
December 4, 2010
A bit dry at times, but overall a very accessible, careful, and solid evangelical treatment of the parables.
July 19, 2013
Helpful contemporary scholarship.
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