“The Bible contains many parables that convey deep lessons, offering wisdom and insights into human behavior, spirituality, and the Kingdom of God.”
The Bible contains a treasure trove of teachings, and it uses parables as one of its most powerful forms of communication. Simple yet profound stories, parables often illustrate complex moral and spiritual lessons.They have been an essential part of Christian teachings for centuries, and many of them come directly from Jesus Christ, who used parables to explain the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
As readers of the Bible, one might wonder just how many parables there really are. The number varies, with some sources counting as few as 35 and others listing over 100.To gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, one must understand the role of parables in the Bible and how they are spread across different books.
In this post, we will explore how many parables are in the Bible, break them down by book, and look at some of the most famous examples. We’ll also dive into the authorship and composition of these biblical texts, giving readers a comprehensive view of these impactful stories.
How Many Parables are in the Bible?
The Bible contains a significant number of parables, which are short stories or allegories used to convey moral or spiritual lessons. While the exact number can vary depending on the interpretation, most scholars agree that there are around 30 to 40 parables in the New Testament, primarily told by Jesus in the Gospels.
These parables are found across the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Among these, Matthew contains 23 parables, Mark has 8, and Luke features the most with 24 parables. John does not include any parables but focuses on other types of teachings.
The parables of Jesus are rich in meaning, often using everyday situations to communicate deep truths about the Kingdom of God, love, forgiveness, and faith. Their simplicity and vivid imagery have made them enduring lessons for Christians and others throughout history.
What Is a Parable?
A parable is a short, simple story that conveys a spiritual or moral lesson using everyday situations. Jesus often used parables to illustrate deeper truths in a way that was easy to understand yet profound for those seeking wisdom.
Parables of Jesus
- The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15)
- The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)
- The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32, Mark 4:30–32, Luke 13:18–19)
- The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20–21)
- The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
- The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value (Matthew 13:45–46)
- The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47–50)
- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35)
- The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16)
- The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32)
- The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33–46, Mark 12:1–12, Luke 20:9–19)
- The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1–14)
- The Parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32–35, Mark 13:28–31, Luke 21:29–33)
- The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)
- The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)
- The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)
- The Parable of the Lamp on a Stand (Mark 4:21–25, Luke 8:16–18)
- The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21)
- The Parable of the Watchful Servants (Luke 12:35–40)
- The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Manager (Luke 12:42–48)
- The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6–9)
- The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15–24)
- The Parable of the Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:28–33)
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14, Luke 15:1–7)
- The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8–10)
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32)
- The Parable of the Dishonest Manager (Luke 16:1–13)
- The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)
- The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8)
- The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14)
- The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11–27)
- The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46)
- The Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:41–43)
- The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5–8)
- The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1–8)
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
- The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Luke 14:7–14)
- The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–13)
- The Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20:1–16)
- The Parable of the Persistent Neighbor (Luke 11:5–8)
- The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1–12)
- The Parable of the Divided Kingdom (Matthew 12:25–29, Mark 3:24–27)
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4–7)
- The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13:47–50)
- The Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly (Mark 4:26–29)
- The Parable of the Two Builders (Matthew 7:24–27, Luke 6:47–49)
- The Parable of the Servant’s Duty (Luke 17:7–10)
- The Parable of the Householder (Matthew 13:52)
- The Parable of the Creditor and Two Debtors (Luke 7:41–43)
- The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8)
- The Parable of the Yeast (Matthew 13:33)
- The Parable of the Owner of the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33–41)
- The Parable of the Strong Man (Matthew 12:29)
- The Parable of the King Going to War (Luke 14:31–33)
- The Parable of the Wise Builder (Matthew 7:24–27).
The Top 7 Parables in the Bible
The Bible contains several parables, which are simple stories used to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons. While there are more than seven, the following seven are among the most well-known:
- The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)
A farmer sows seeds on various types of soil, representing different responses to the message of God. - The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
A story about a man who helps a wounded stranger, illustrating the importance of showing love and mercy to others, regardless of their background. - The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
A son leaves his father’s house, squanders his inheritance, and eventually returns home, demonstrating God’s forgiveness and grace. - The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep, symbolizing God’s care for every individual. - The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
A master gives his servants talents (money), and they are rewarded or punished based on how they use them, teaching about responsibility and stewardship. - The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)
A man accumulates wealth without regard for God or others, illustrating the foolishness of storing treasures on earth without spiritual consideration. - The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)
A tiny mustard seed grows into a large tree, symbolizing the growth of God’s kingdom from small beginnings.
These parables offer rich insights into Christian teachings about faith, love, stewardship, and forgiveness.
The Purpose of Parables – Why Did Jesus Use Them?
Jesus used parables to:
- Teach deep truths in a relatable way.
- Encourage reflection rather than direct answers.
- Separate true seekers from those uninterested in deeper meaning.
- Fulfill prophecy about speaking in parables (Matthew 13:34-35).
Common Themes in Parables
- God’s Kingdom – The Parable of the Mustard Seed.
- Love and Forgiveness – The Parable of the Prodigal Son.
- Faith and Obedience – The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.
- Judgment and Accountability – The Parable of the Talents.
Popular Parables
Some of the most well-known parables include:
- The Good Samaritan – Teaching love and kindness.
- The Prodigal Son – Illustrating God’s forgiveness.
- The Sower and the Seeds – Emphasizing the power of faith.
- The Lost Sheep – Showing God’s relentless pursuit of the lost.
Why We Should Pray with Parables
Praying with parables helps us connect with God’s teachings, reflect on biblical wisdom, and apply spiritual lessons in our daily lives. They guide us in understanding faith, humility, and God’s grace through storytelling.
Parable of the Good Samaritan
This parable tells the story of a compassionate Samaritan who helps a man who has been attacked and left on the road, while others, including a priest and a Levite, pass by without offering help. It highlights the importance of loving one’s neighbor, regardless of differences.
Found in:
- Luke 10:25-37
Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
In this parable, Jesus compares a wise builder who constructs his house on a solid rock foundation with a foolish builder who builds on sand. When storms come, the house on rock stands firm, symbolizing the strength of a life built on Jesus’ teachings.
Found in:
- Matthew 7:24-27
- Luke 6:46-49
Parable of the Prodigal Son

This well-known parable tells of a younger son who squanders his inheritance but returns to his father in repentance. The father welcomes him with open arms, illustrating God’s mercy and forgiveness toward those who repent and return to Him.
Found in:
- Luke 15:11-32
Parable of the Sower
This parable recounts the story of a farmer sowing seeds over various types of terrain. Some seeds land on good soil, some among weeds, some on the road, etc. Only the seeds in good soil take root and grow, representing how the Gospel is received and nurtured in different hearts.
Found in:
- Matthew 13:3-9
- Mark 4:3-9
- Luke 8:5-8
Parable of the Lost Sheep
In this story, a shepherd leaves 99 sheep to search for one that is lost, symbolizing God’s deep care for each individual and His desire for the lost to be found.
Found in:
- Matthew 18:12-14
- Luke 15:3-7
Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
This parable tells of a servant who is forgiven a large debt by his master but refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him. It emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, just as God shows mercy to us.
Found in:
- Matthew 18:21-35
Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

At the final judgment, people are separated like sheep (the righteous) and goats (the unrighteous) based on their actions toward the people hungry, and needy, teaching that how we treat others reflects our relationship with God.
Found in:
- Matthew 25:31-46
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
In this parable, a Pharisee prays arrogantly about his righteousness, while a tax collector humbly asks for God’s mercy. Jesus teaches that humility and repentance lead to justification, while pride leads to condemnation.
Found in:
- Luke 18:9-14
Variations in Count: From 35 to Over 100
The number of parables in the Bible is often debated. Some biblical scholars say there are about 35 parables, while others argue that the number is over 100 when including shorter parables, allegories, and other symbolic stories.
Why Are There Different Counts?
The key to understanding these variations lies in how one defines a “parable.” A parable is generally considered a simple, vivid story that uses familiar situations to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. However, there are other types of storytelling in the Bible, such as allegories or extended metaphors, which may or may not be classified as parables, depending on one’s interpretation.
For example, some parables in the Bible are quite short, while others, like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, are much longer and more detailed. This variation in length and style can influence how they are counted and categorized.
In general, when people refer to the number of parables in the Bible, they may be counting only the more clearly identified parables or including all forms of storytelling used by Jesus. For instance, in the Gospel of Matthew alone, there are 23 parables, but when combining the other gospels, the count may increase.
Breakdown by Book: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

While the four Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) all contain parables, they differ in terms of the number of parables included. Here’s a closer look at how parables are distributed across each book.
The four Gospels of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each include parables, but they differ in the number and variety. Here’s a breakdown of how parables are distributed across these books:
Book | Total Parables | Unique Parables |
Matthew | 23 | 11 |
Mark | 8 | 2 |
Luke | 24 | 18 |
John | 0 | 0 |
- Matthew features 23 parables, with 11 being unique to this Gospel.
- Mark offers 8 parables, with just 2 that are exclusive to his Gospel.
- Luke contains the most, with 24 parables, and 18 of them are found only in his account.
- John, notably, does not contain any parables, focusing on long teachings and discourses about Jesus’ identity.
Parables in the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew contains many parables, and it is often considered the most comprehensive in terms of Jesus’ use of this teaching method. Some of the most famous parables found in Matthew include:
- The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9)
- The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)
Parables in the Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark contains fewer parables than Matthew, with about 8 distinct parables. Mark’s focus is more on the actions and miracles of Jesus, but the parables he includes are still powerful and insightful. Notable parables from Mark include:
- The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:3-9)
- The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32)
Mark presents the parables more concisely, with a focus on the immediate relevance of Jesus’ teachings to his audience.
Parables in the Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of Luke includes a significant number of parables, around 24 parables, many of which are unique to Luke. This Gospel contains some of the most well-known parables that Jesus told, such as:
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Parables in the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is often different from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in terms of structure and style. It contains very few parables, often favoring direct teachings and discourses. John does not explicitly use the word “parable” as often, but he includes teachings that serve a similar purpose. Notable examples include:
- The Parable of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)
- The Parable of the Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-8)
While these are not strictly parables in the traditional sense, they are stories with symbolic meanings that convey deep spiritual truths.
Authorship and Composition of the Bible
Various authors wrote the ancient texts that make up the Bible over many centuries. Four different authors—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—wrote the Gospels, which contain most of Jesus’ parables. Each author had a unique perspective and purpose, which influenced how they presented Jesus’ teachings, including parables.
The Role of the Gospel Writers

- Matthew was a tax collector who wrote primarily for a Jewish audience. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Luke was a physician who wrote for a broader audience, highlighting Jesus’ compassion and the inclusivity of his message.
- John, the beloved disciple, focused on the divinity of Jesus and often used symbolic language rather than parables to explain spiritual truths.
Each Gospel writer’s unique perspective and audience influenced how the parables were presented and understood.
What is the Sword of the Spirit?
Notable Parables of Jesus
Some parables have had such a profound impact that they are considered central to understanding Jesus’ teachings. Here are two of the most well-known parables:
Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) teaches the importance of loving one’s neighbor, regardless of social or ethnic divisions.
In this story, a man is beaten and left by the side of the road, and several people pass by without helping. However, a Samaritan—a group despised by the Jews—stops and helps the man, demonstrating true compassion and love.
Parable of the Prodigal Son
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) tells the story of a young man who asks his father for his inheritance, leaves home, and squanders his wealth in reckless living.
After a time of hardship, he returns home, and his father welcomes him with open arms. This parable illustrates forgiveness, grace, and the unconditional love of God.
How Do Parables Help Us Understand the Teachings of Jesus?

Parables serve as a way to communicate deeper truths through simple, relatable stories. They often take everyday situations—such as farming, family life, or travel—and use them to teach profound lessons about God, human nature, and the Kingdom of Heaven.
By using parables, Jesus made his teachings more accessible, engaging, and memorable. His stories are timeless, allowing people across cultures and eras to understand and apply the principles he taught.
Parables offer rich lessons that speak to the heart, making complex spiritual truths easier to grasp. They teach us about kindness, forgiveness, faith, and how we should live in relationship with God and others.
How Many Parables in Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew contains 23 parables, which are teachings of Jesus presented in the form of stories that convey moral or spiritual lessons. These parables are found throughout the book, particularly in chapters 13 and 25, and serve as a key aspect of Jesus’ method of teaching.
Parables in the Bible and Their Meaning
Parables are short, simple stories used to convey moral or spiritual lessons. In the Bible, Jesus frequently used parables to teach profound truths about the Kingdom of God, human nature, and God’s will. Here are a few notable parables and their meanings:
- The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23):
This parable compares different responses to the message of the Gospel to various types of soil. Some people receive it eagerly, while others ignore or reject it. The parable teaches that the condition of the heart determines how the word of God is received. - The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37):
A man is beaten by robbers and left for dead, and while religious leaders pass him by, a Samaritan, a social outcast, helps him. The parable teaches the importance of loving one’s neighbor, regardless of social status or background. - The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
A younger son demands his inheritance and squanders it in a distant country. When he returns in repentance, his father welcomes him with open arms, illustrating God’s forgiveness and the joy of repentance. - The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7):
A shepherd leaves his 99 sheep to find one that is lost. This parable emphasizes God’s concern for every individual, illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. - The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30):
In this story, a master gives his servants different amounts of money to manage while he is away. The parable teaches about responsibility, stewardship, and using one’s gifts and resources wisely to serve God.
These parables, though simple in structure, contain deep spiritual insights that encourage reflection and application in the lives of believers.
The 40 Parables in the Bible
- The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, Luke 8:5-15)
- The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)
- The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19)
- The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21)
- The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
- The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46)
- The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50)
- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)
- The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
- The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
- The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19)
- The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)
- The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
- The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
- The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
- The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:3-7)
- The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
- The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)
- The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
- The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
- The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
- The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
- The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)
- The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-13)
- The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)
- The Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:41-43)
- The Parable of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
- The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)
- The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30)
- The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)
- The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)
- The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
- The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32)
- The Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20:1-16)
- The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
- The Parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
These parables are found across the Gospels and serve as lessons about the Kingdom of God, moral teachings, and divine truths. Some parables appear in multiple Gospels with slight variations in wording or context.
Key Insight
Why did Jesus use parables?
Jesus used parables to communicate deep spiritual truths in a way that was easy for people to understand and remember.
How many parables are in the Gospel of Matthew?
The Gospel of Matthew contains 23 parables.
Are parables still relevant today?
Yes, the lessons in Jesus’ parables are timeless and continue to provide guidance and insight for people today.
What is the main purpose of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
The main lesson of the Parable of the Prodigal Son is the power of forgiveness and the unconditional love of God.
Conclusion
Parables are a powerful tool for teaching moral and spiritual lessons, and they have remained a significant part of Christian tradition for thousands of years. While the number of parables in the Bible can vary depending on how one defines them, there are clearly many important stories that convey timeless truths.
From the Parable of the Good Samaritan to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, these stories continue to inspire and challenge us to live with love, compassion, and faith. By understanding the parables of Jesus, we gain deeper insight into the heart of His message and His vision for the Kingdom of God.

Hi! I’m Ethan Matthews, a tech enthusiast and avid traveler, sharing insights and adventures from my journeys around the globe.