All the Parables of the Bible (Paperback)

by Herbert Lockyer (Author) "It is to be regretted that almost all reference books dealing with the parables, concentrate upon those spoken by our Lord, and neglect what the..." (more)
Key Phrases: parabolic illustration, eighth parable, parabolic instruction, Old Testament, New Testament, Holy Spirit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This monumental study is an analysis of the more than 250 parables in Scripture. It is not another tramp over the well-raked field of the parables found in the gospels, but rather, it is a comprehensive survey of the uses of parabolic illustration and instruction in the whole of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

From the Back Cover
This book is a study and analysis of the more than 250 parables in Scripture. This monumental work is not another tramp over the well-raked field of the parables found in the gospels, but a comprehensive survey of the uses of parabolic illustration and instruction in the whole of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Never before has this aspect of truth been combined into one volume.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 12, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310281113
• ISBN-13: 978-0310281115
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #283,960 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Thorough Reference for Parables, September 5, 2000

By	bethlovesbooks (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

Although this may not be a ground breaking text with new and exciting theories, it is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to understand the parables of the Bible better. The book discusses parables in both the Old and New Testaments. You can look up the parable by the chapter and book that it appears in, and there is also a way to reference them by topic/subject.

I've used this commentary a lot in my Bible studies because it is very thorough and even handed. Lockyer breaks the parables down item-by-item, point-by-point, then summarizes the dominant critical interpretations of each one. Because his treatment is extensive, the commentary for a single parable will often run for several pages.

I appreciate the clarity that his summaries bring to the text. Also, he is careful to admit that we can over interpret things and for the most part, manages to avoid this tendency. He asserts his own interpretation for each parable, but not in a know-it-all fashion.

This book challenges me to think about what God wants us to learn through these stories. They are like little puzzles, and I am fascinated to think about all the different ways they can be interpreted. Also, this book has cleared up some parables that were downright confusing.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very exhaustive, March 18, 2003

By	Joshua B. Hughes (Hillsboro, Il) - See all my reviews

All the Parables of the Bible is a tremendous resource on the parables and parabolic language of the scriptures. I have studied many books but this one seems to be one of the best. There are several things that I like most about this book. It is a precise examination going into the Old Testament and showing how that New Testament thoughts were conceived in Old Testament times. Such as Christ parable of the Vineyard being taken from wicked men. That can be found in Isaiah and Ezekial's prophecies. Mr. Lockyer is also very knowledgable presenting a rounded view from many different writers to show the variety of thought. He pulls from some of the masters such as; Ada Habershon, Arthur Pink, R.C. Trench G. Campbell Morgan and many others. The most important things is that Mr.Lockyer really reveals the clear concise idea of the Master is trying to convey. I give this a two thumbs up and tell everyone looking for a reference on the parables that this book is worth it's weight and gold!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not my cup of tea..., November 20, 2008

By	Joseph Arechiga (North Hollywood, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book seems a little too literal and not spiritually revealing for my liking. Many Parables contain spiritual mysteries which I hoped would be explained simply. But this book doesn't bring those out. Instead it relates a lot of literal teachings to other scriptural concepts and that wasn't helpful to me.

Here's an example.

The Pearl

From my understanding "the Pearl" represents something beautiful created by something ugly through a lifetime of suffering. Like overcoming Christians or the Bride. Since the gates of the Kingdom of God in Revelation are 12 huge Pearls one for each gate it means that one enters into communion with God through much suffering and that agrees with scripture.

But the book explains it like this:
"The Pearl reveals God's ultimate victory in the presence of man's failure. As we shall see, when considering the parable in detail, the One who purchased the Pearl discloses "the glorious transmuting of the murderous hate of sinful humanity into redemption by the love of God."

What that means I have no idea but it sounds good.

I might have gained more from this book if I were a PHD I suspect.

Everyone else seems to like it though. So maybe it's just me.