Thematic Bible: Parables of


Thematic Bible



And he put forth a similitude unto them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in himself saying, 'What shall I do? Because I have no room where to bestow my fruits.' And he said, 'This will I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater: and therein will I gather all my fruits, and my goods: read more.
and I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and be merry.' But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?'

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom: five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but took none oil with them. read more.
But the wise took oil with them in their vessels with their lamps also. While the bridegroom tarried, all slumbered and slept. And even at midnight, there was a cry made, 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go out against him.' Then all those virgins arose, and prepared their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us of your oil, for our lamps go out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you, but go rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the wedding, and the gate was shut up. Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, 'Master, master open to us.' But he answered, and said, 'Verily I say unto you: I know you not.' Look that ye watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor yet the hour, when the son of man shall come.

And he spake many things to them in similitudes, saying, "Behold, the sower went forth to sow. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls came, and devoured it up. Some fell upon stony ground where it had not much earth, and anon it sprung up, because it had no depth of earth: read more.
And when the sun was up, it caught heat, and for lack of rooting withered away. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up and choked it. Part fell in good ground, and brought forth good fruit: some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Whosoever hath ears to hear, let him hear."

"A sower went out to sow his seed, and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was trodden under feet, and the fowls of the air devoured it up. And some fell on stone, and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moistness. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. read more.
And some fell on good ground, and sprang up and bare fruit, a hundred fold." And as he said these things, he cried, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Hear ye therefore the similitude of the sower. Whosoever heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, there cometh the evil man, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. And this is he which was sown by the wayside. But he that was sown in the stony ground, is he which heareth the word of God, and anon with joy receiveth it, read more.
yet hath no roots in himself, and therefore dureth but a season: for as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he falleth. He that was sown among thorns, is he that heareth the word of God, but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful. He which is sown in the good ground, is he, that heareth the word and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold."

And he began again to teach by the seaside. And there gathered together unto him much people, so greatly that he entered in to a ship, and sat in the sea, and all the people was by the seaside on the shore: And he taught them many things in similitudes, and said unto them in his doctrine, "Hearken to. Behold; The sower went out to sow, read more.
and it fortuned as he sowed, that some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. Some fell on a stony ground: where it had not much earth: and by and by sprang up, because it had not depth of earth: but as soon as the sun was up, it caught heat: and because it had not rooting it withered away. And some fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, so that it gave no fruit. And some fell upon good ground: and did yield fruit that sprang and grew: and brought forth some thirty fold, some sixty fold, and some a hundred fold." And he said unto them, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

The sower, soweth the word. And they that are by the wayside, where the word is sown, are they to whom as soon as they have heard it, cometh immediately Satan and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And likewise, they that are sown on the stony ground: which when they have heard the word, at once they receive it with gladness; read more.
yet have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: and anon, as soon as any trouble and persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they fall. And these are they that are sown among the thorns; which are such as hear the word of God, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things enter in, and choke the word, and it is made unfruitful. And those that were sown in good ground, are they that hear the word and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold some sixty fold, some a hundred fold."

The similitude is this: The seed is the word of God. Those that are beside the way, are they that hear, and afterward cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the stones, are they which, when they hear, receive the word with joy. But these have no roots, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation go away. read more.
And that which fell among thorns, are they which hear, and go forth, and are choked with cares and with riches, and voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit. That in the good ground, are they which with a good and pure heart, hear the word, and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Another parable he put forth unto them saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man taketh and soweth in his field, which is the least of all seeds. But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and it is a tree: so that the birds of the air come, and build in the branches of it."

Then said he, "What is the kingdom of God like? Or whereto shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his garden: and it grew, and waxed a great tree, and the fowls of the air made nests in the branches of it."

And he said, "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which when it is sown in the earth, is the least of all seeds that be in the earth: But after that it is sown it groweth up, and is greatest of all herbs: and beareth great branches so that the fowls of the air may dwell under the shadow of it."

And he began to speak unto them in similitudes. "A certain man planted a vineyard, and compassed it with a hedge, and ordained a winepress, and built a tower in it, and let it out to hire unto husbandmen, and went into a strange country. And when the time was come, he sent to the tenants a servant that he might receive of the tenants of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him and beat him and sent him again empty. read more.
And moreover he sent unto them another servant, and at him they cast stones and brake his head, and sent him again all too reviled. And again he sent another, and him they killed: and many others, beating some, and killing some. "Yet had he one son whom he loved tenderly, him also sent he at the last unto them, saying, 'They will fear my son.' But the tenants said amongst themselves, 'This is the heir: come, let us kill him and the inheritance shall be ours.' And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall then the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and let out the vineyard to others. Have ye not read this scripture? 'The stone which the builders did refuse, is made the chief stone in the corner: This was done of the Lord, and is marvelous in our eyes.'" And they went about to take him, but they feared the people. For they perceived that he spake that similitude against them. And they left him and went their way.

"Hearken another similitude. There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and made a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a strange country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, to receive the fruits of it, and the husbandmen caught his servants, and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. read more.
Again, he sent other servants more than the first, and they served them likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his own son, saying, 'They will fear my son.' But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir: come on, let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance, to ourselves.' And they caught him, and thrust him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the Lord of the vineyard cometh, what will he do with those husbandmen?" They said unto him, He will cruelly destroy those evil persons; and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall deliver him the fruit at times convenient. Jesus said unto them, "Did ye never read in the scriptures? 'The same stone which the builders refused, the same is set in the principal part of the corner: this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.' Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to the Gentiles, which shall bring forth the fruits of it. And whosoever shall fall on this stone, he shall be alto broken. But on whosoever it shall fall upon, it will grind him to powder."

Then began he to put forth to the people this similitude, "A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers, and went himself into a strange country for a great season. And when the time was come, he sent a servant to his tenants, that they should give him of the fruits of the vineyard. And the tenants did beat him: and sent him away empty. And again he ceased not thereby but sent yet another servant. And they did beat him, and foul entreated him also, and sent him away empty. read more.
Moreover, he sent the third, too: And him they wounded, and cast him out. Then said the Lord of the vineyard, 'What shall I do? I will send my dear son, him peradventure they will reverence, when they see him.' But when the farmers saw him, they thought in themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' And they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now what shall the Lord of the vineyard do unto them? He will come and destroy those farmers, and will let out his vineyard to others." When they heard that, they said, "God forbid." And he beheld them and said, "What meaneth this then that is written, 'The stone that the builders refused, the same is made the head cornerstone?' Whosoever stumble at that stone, shall be broken: but on whosoever it fall upon, it will grind him to powder."

"Whosoever heareth of me these sayings, and doeth the same, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house on a rock: And abundance of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that same house, and it fell not: because it was grounded on the rock. And whosoever heareth of me these sayings, and doeth them not the same, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: read more.
And abundance of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth the same, I will show you to whom he is like. He is like a man which built a house: and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. When the waters arose, the flood beat upon that house, and could not move it. For it was grounded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doth not, is like a man, that without foundation built a house upon the earth, against which, the flood did beat: and it fell by and by. And the fall of that house was great."

Then put he forth this similitude to them, saying, "What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find him? And when he hath found him, he putteth him on his shoulders with joy: read more.
And as soon as he cometh home he calleth together his lovers, and neighbours saying unto them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

How think ye? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them should be gone astray, doth he not leave ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that one which is gone astray? If it happen that he find him, verily I say unto you, He rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine, which went not astray. Even so, it is not the will of your father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

"Learn a similitude of the fig tree: when his branches are yet tender, and his leaves sprung, ye know that summer is nigh. Verse ConceptsSpringTendernessSummerSoftnessNear The Time GenerallyParable Of The Fig TreeSeasons Changingspringtimerebirth

"Learn a similitude of the fig tree. When his branches are yet tender, and hath brought forth leaves, ye know that summer is near. So, in like manner, when ye see these things come to pass, understand that it is nigh: even at the doors.

Another similitude said he to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which a woman taketh and hideth in three pecks of meal, till all be leavened." Verse ConceptsFoodExaggerationsDoughKingdom Of God, Coming OfParablesWeights And Measures, DryYeastLeavenParables Of ChristLeavenedHidden ThingsThree Other ThingsOther Volume Measureswomanhood

And again he said, "Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three bushels of flour, till all was through-leavened."

Another similitude put he forth, unto them saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, there came his foe, and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. When the blade was sprung up, and had brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. read more.
The servants then came to the householder, and said unto him, 'Sir, sowest not thou good seed in thy close, from whence then hath it tares?' But he said to them, 'The envious man hath done this.' Then the servants said unto him, 'Wilt thou then that we go and weed them out?' But he said, 'Nay, lest while ye go about to weed out the tares, ye pluck up also with them the wheat by the roots. Let both grow together till harvest come: and in time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye first the tares, and bind them in sheaves to be burnt: but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

Then sent Jesus the people away, and came to house. And his disciples came unto him, saying, "Declare unto us the similitude of the tares in the field." Then answered he and said to them, "He that soweth the good seed, is the son of man, and the field is the world. And the children of the kingdom, they are the good seed. And the tares are the children of the wicked. read more.
And the enemy that soweth them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. And the reapers be the angels. For even as the tares are gathered, and burnt in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that do offend, and all them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the just men shine as bright as the sun in the kingdom of their father. Whosoever hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And he said, "A certain man had two sons, and the younger of them said to his father, father, give me my part of the goods that to me belongeth. And he divided unto them his substance. And not long after, the younger son gathered all that he had together, and took his journey into a far country, and there he wasted his goods with riotous living. read more.
And when he had spent all that he had, there rose a great dearth throughout all that same land. And he began to lack. And he went, and clave to a citizen of that same country, which sent him to his field, to keep his swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the cods, that the swine ate: and no man gave him. Then he came to himself and said, 'How many hired servants at my father's have bread enough, and I die for hunger. I will arise, and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.' And he arose, and went to his father. And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran unto him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy henceforth to be called thy son.' But his father said to his servants, 'Bring forth that best garment, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither that fatted calf, and kill him, and let us eat and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is now found.' And they began to be merry. The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing, and called one of his servants, and asked what those things meant. And he said unto him, 'Thy brother is come, and thy father had killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.' And he was angry, and would not go in. Then came his father out, and entreated him. He answered, and said to his father, 'Lo these many years have I done thee service, neither brake at any time thy commandment, and yet gavest thou me never so much as a kid to make merry with my lovers: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy goods with harlots, thou hast for his pleasure killed the fatted calf.' And he said unto him, 'Son, thou wast ever with me, and all that I have is thine: it was mete that we should make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again: and was lost, and is found.'"

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves, like unto men that wait for their master when he will return from a wedding: that as soon as he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him. Happy are those servants, which their Lord, when he cometh, shall find waking; Verily I say unto you, he will gird himself about, and make them sit down to meat, and walk by them, and minister unto them. read more.
And if he come in the second watch, yea, if he come in the third watch, and shall find them so, happy are those servants. This shall ye understand, that if the good man of the house knew what hour the thief would have come, he would surely have watched: and not suffer his house to be broken up. Be ye prepared therefore, for the son of man will come at a hour when ye think not."

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple, and fine bysse, and fared deliciously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, which lay at his gate full of sores, desiring to be refreshed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's board. Nevertheless, the dogs came, and licked his sores. read more.
And it fortuned that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: The rich man also died, and was buried in hell. And being in hell, in torments, he lift up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom; And he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said unto him, 'Son remember, that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy pleasure, and contrariwise, Lazarus pain. Now therefore is he comforted, and thou art punished. Beyond all this, between you and us there is a great space set, so that they which would go from hence to you, cannot: neither may come from thence to us.' Then he said, 'I pray thee therefore father, send him to my father's house. For I have five brethren: for to warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' Abraham said unto him, 'They have Moses and the prophets: let them hear them.' And he said, 'Nay, father Abraham, but if one came unto them from the dead they would repent.' He said unto him, 'If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe, though one rose from death again.'"

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant, that seeketh good pearls, which when he had found one precious pearl, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain King, which would take accounts of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents: Whom, because he had nought to pay, his Master commanded him to be sold: and his wife, and his children, and all that he had; and payment to be made. read more.
The servant fell down and besought him saying, 'Sir, give me respite, and I will pay it every whit.' Then had the Lord pity on that servant, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. And the said servant went out and found one of his fellows, which owed him a hundred pence. And laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me that thou owest.' And his fellow fell down, and besought him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.' And he would not, but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. When his other fellows saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that had happened. Then his Lord called him, and said unto him, 'O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou praydest me: Was it not mete also, that thou shouldest have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on thee?' And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all that was due to him. So like wise shall my heavenly father do unto you, except ye forgive with your hearts, each one to his brother their trespasses."

Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not in by the door, into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way: the same is a thief and a robber. He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice; And he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. read more.
And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: For they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but will fly from him. For they know not the voice of strangers." This similitude spake Jesus unto them. But they understood not, what things they were, which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily I say unto you: that I am the door of the sheep. All, even as many as came before me, are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me, if any man enter in, he shall be safe, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal and kill, and destroy. I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. An hired servant which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flyeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hired servant flyeth because he is a hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am that good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine. As my father knoweth me: even so know I my father. And I give my life for the sheep, and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring, that they may hear my voice. And that there may be one flock, and one shepherd.

When one of them that sat at meat also heard that, he said unto him, "Happy is he that eateth bread in the kingdom of God." Then said he to him, "A certain man ordained a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time, to say to them that were bidden, come: for all things are now ready. read more.
And they all at once began to make excuse. The first said unto him, 'I have bought a farm, and I must needs go and see it, I pray thee have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused.' The third said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' And the servant went again, and brought his master word thereof. Then was the good man of the house displeased, and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and quarters of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.' And the servant said, 'Lord it is done as thou commandedst, and yet there is room.' And the Lord said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of my supper.'"

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net cast into the sea, that gathereth of all kinds: the which when it is full, men draw to land, and sit and gather the good into their vessels, and cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out and sever the bad from the good, read more.
and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

As a man which is gone into a strange country and hath left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch, therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house will come: whether at even, or at midnight; whether at the cock crowing, or in the dawning: lest if he come suddenly, he should find you sleeping. read more.
And that I say unto you, I say unto all men: Watch."

Jesus answered and said, "A certain man descended from Jerusalem into Jericho; And fell into the hands of thieves, which robbed him of his raiment and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead. And by chance, there came a certain priest that same way, and when he saw him, he passed by. And likewise a Levite, when he was come nigh to the place, went and looked on him, and passed by. read more.
Then a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came nigh unto him: and when he saw him, had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, and poured in wine, and oil, and put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and made provision for him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host and said unto him, 'Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will recompense thee.' Which now of these three, thinkest thou was neighbor unto him that fell into the thieves hands?" And he said, "He that showed mercy on him." Then said Jesus unto him, "Go and do thou likewise."

And he put forth a similitude unto them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in himself saying, 'What shall I do? Because I have no room where to bestow my fruits.' And he said, 'This will I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater: and therein will I gather all my fruits, and my goods: read more.
and I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and be merry.' But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?' So is it with him that gathered riches, and is not rich in God."

"What say ye to this? A certain man had two sons, and came to the elder and said, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not.' But afterward, repented and went. Then came he to the second, and said likewise, and he answered and said, 'I will sir.' Yet went he not. read more.
Whether of these twain did the will of the father?" And they said unto him, "The first." Jesus said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots shall come into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you, in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not. But the publicans and the harlots believed him. And yet ye, though ye saw it, were not yet moved with repentance; that ye might afterward have believed him.

"Likewise, as a certain man, ready to take his journey to a strange country, called his servants to him, and delivered to them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one: to every man after his ability, and straightway departed. Then he that had received the five talents, went and bestowed them, and won other five talents. read more.
Likewise, he that received two gained other two. But he that received the one, went and digged a pit in the earth and hid his master's money. After a long season, the Lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. Then came he that had received five talents, and brought other five talents saying, 'Master, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: Behold, I have gained with them five talents more.' Then his master said unto him, 'Well, good servant and faithful; Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter in into thy master's joy.' Also, he that received two talents came, and said, 'Master, thou deliveredest unto me two talents: Behold, I have won two other talents with them.' And his master said unto him, 'Well, good servant and faithful; Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: go in into thy master's joy.' Then he which had received the one talent came also, and said, 'Master, I considered that thou wast a hard man, which reapest where thou sowedst not, and gatherest where thou strawedst not, and was therefore afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: Behold, thou hast thine own.' His master answered, and said unto him, 'Thou evil servant and slothful, thou knowest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not: Thou oughtest therefore to have had my money to the changers, and then at my coming should I have received my mine own with vantage. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every man that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. And from him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that he hath. And cast that unprofitable servant into utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

As they heard these things, he added thereto a similitude, because he was nigh to Jerusalem; And because also, they thought that the kingdom of God should shortly appear. He said therefore, "A certain noble man went into a far country, to receive him a kingdom, and then to come again. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, saying unto them, 'Buy and sell till I come.' read more.
But his citizens hated him, and sent messengers after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.' And it came to pass, when he was come again and had received his kingdom, he commanded these servants, to be called to him, to whom he gave his money, to know what every man had done. Then came the first saying, 'Lord, thy pound hath increased ten pounds.' And he said unto him, 'Well good servant, because thou wast faithful in a very little thing; Take thou authority over ten cities.' And the other came saying, 'Lord, thy pound hath increased five pounds.' And to the same he said, 'And be thou also ruler over five cities.' And the third came, and said, 'Lord, behold here thy pound, which I have kept in a napkin, for I feared thee, because thou art a strait man: thou takest up that thou laidst not down; And reapest that thou didst not sow.' And he said unto him, 'Of thine own mouth judge I thee, thou evil servant. Knowest thou that I am a strait man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow? Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank? That at my coming should I might have required mine own, with vantage.' And he said to them that stood by, 'Take from him that pound, and give it him that hath ten pounds.' And they said unto him, 'Lord he hath ten pounds.' 'I say unto you, that unto all them that have, it shall be given: and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken from him. Moreover, those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.'"

Either, what woman having ten groats, if she lose one, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently, till she find it? And when she hath found it she calleth her lovers, and her neighbours saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the groat which I had lost.' Likewise I say unto you, Joy is made in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

And he put forth this similitude, unto certain which trusted in themselves, that they were perfect, and despised others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or as this publican. read more.
I fast twice in the week. I give tithe of all that I possess.' And the publican stood afar off, and would not lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner.' I tell you, This man departed home to his house justified more than the other. For every man that exalteth himself, shall be brought low: And he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted."

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again in similitudes, saying. "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain King, which married his son, and sent forth his servants, to call them that were bid to the wedding: and they would not come. read more.
Again he sent forth other servants, saying, 'Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner, mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the marriage.' But they made light of it, and went their ways: one to his firm place, another about his merchandise: the remnant took his servants, and intreated them ungoodly, and slew them. When the King heard that, he was wroth, and sent forth his warriors and destroyed those murderers, and burnt up their city. Then said he to his servants, 'The wedding was prepared: but they which were bidden thereto, were not worthy. Go ye therefore out into the highways, and as many as ye find, bid them to the marriage.' The servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding was furnished with guests. Then the King came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man which had not on a wedding garment, and said unto him, 'Friend, how fortuned it that thou camest in hither, and hast not on a wedding garment?' And he was even speechless. Then said the King to his ministers, 'Take and bind him hand and foot, and cast him into utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called and few be chosen.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a householder which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And he agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, and sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market place, read more.
and said unto them: go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will give you: and they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And he went out about the eleventh hour and found others standing idle, and said unto them, 'Why stand ye here all the day idle?' They said unto him, 'Because no man hath hired us'. He said to them, 'Go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.' When even was come, the Lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, 'Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning at the last, till thou come to the first.' And they which were hired about the eleventh hour, came and received every man a penny. Then came the first, supposing that they should receive more, and they like wise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, 'These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us which have borne the burden and heat of the day.' He answered to one of them, saying, 'Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?' Take that which is thy duty, and go thy way. I will give unto this last, as much as to thee. Is it not lawful for me to do as me listeth, with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. For many are called, and few be chosen."

"There was a certain lender, which had two debtors, the one ought five hundred pence, and the other fifty. When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them tell me, will love him most?" Simon answered, and said, "I suppose that he to whom he forgave most." And he said unto him, "Thou hast truly judged." read more.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, "Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, and thou gavest me no water to my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Mine head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Many sins are forgiven her, for she loved much. To whom less is forgiven, the same doeth less love."

I am the true vine, and my father is a husbandman. Every branch that beareth not fruit in me, he will take away. And every branch that beareth fruit will he purge, that it may bring more fruit. Now are ye clean, through the words which I have spoken unto you. read more.
Abide in me, and let me abide in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, and ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For without me can ye do nothing.

And he said, "So is the kingdom of God, even as if a man should sow seed in the ground, and should sleep and rise up night and day: and the seed should spring, and grow up while he is not aware. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself, first the blade, then the ears, after that full corn in the ears. read more.
And as soon as the fruit is brought forth, anon he thrusteth in the sickle because that harvest is come."

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom: five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but took none oil with them. read more.
But the wise took oil with them in their vessels with their lamps also. While the bridegroom tarried, all slumbered and slept. And even at midnight, there was a cry made, 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go out against him.' Then all those virgins arose, and prepared their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us of your oil, for our lamps go out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you, but go rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the wedding, and the gate was shut up. Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, 'Master, master open to us.' But he answered, and said, 'Verily I say unto you: I know you not.' Look that ye watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor yet the hour, when the son of man shall come.

He put forth a similitude unto them, signifying that men ought always to pray, and not to be weary, saying, "There was a Judge in a certain city, which feared not God neither regarded man. And there was a certain widow in the same city, which came unto him saying, 'Avenge me of mine adversary.' read more.
And he would not for a while. But afterward he said unto himself, 'Though I fear not God, nor care for man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her: lest at the last she come, and hag on me.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge sayeth. And shall not God avenge his elect, which cry night and day unto him? Yea though he defer them: I tell you, he will avenge them, and that quickly. Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh, suppose ye that he shall find faith on the earth?"

And he said unto them, "If any of you should have a friend, and should go to him at midnight, and say unto him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come out of the way to me, and I have nothing to set before him': And he within should answer and say, 'Trouble me not, now is the door shut, and my servants are with me in the chamber, I cannot rise and give them to thee.' read more.
I say unto you, Though he would not arise and give him, because he is his friend: Yet because of his importunity he would rise and give him as many as he needed.

He put forth this similitude, "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, 'Behold, this three years have I come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none. Cut it down. Why cumbereth it the ground?' And he answered and said unto him, 'Lord let it alone this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, read more.
to see whether it will bear fruit: and if it bear not, then after that, cut it down.'"

And he said also unto his disciples, "There was a certain rich man, which had a steward, that was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, 'How is it, that I hear this of thee? Give accounts of thy stewardship. For thou mayest be no longer my steward.' The steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master will take away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig, and to beg, I am ashamed. read more.
I know what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' Then called he all his master's debtors, and said unto the first, 'How much owest thou unto my master?' And he said, 'An hundred tonnes of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.' Then said he to another, 'What owest thou?' And he said, 'An hundred quarters of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take thy bill, and write fourscore.' And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely. For the children of this world, are in their kind, wiser than the children of light. And I say also unto you, Make you friends of the wicked mammon, that when ye shall have need they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in the field, the which a man findeth and hideth it: and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Verse ConceptsPersonal ConsecrationFindingHeaven, Inheritance OfSpiritual InvestmentJoy, Of The ChurchKingdom Of God, Entry IntoTreasureParables Of ChristSpiritual TreasuresFigurative FieldsFinding ThingsHidden ThingsBuying God's Giftsales

But Joash king of Israel sent again to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, "A thistle in Lebanon sent to a cypress tree in Lebanon, saying, 'Give thy daughter to my son to wife.' But the wild beasts in Lebanon went and trod down the thistle. Verse ConceptsCedarFablesThornsSarcasmThistlesOld Testament ParablesGiving In Marriage

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns? Or figs of thistles? Verse ConceptsBearing Bad FruitThornsFigsThistlesDistinguishingpersonality

And Joash king of Israel sent again to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, "A thistle in Lebanon sent to a Cedar tree of Lebanon saying, 'Give thy daughter to my son to wife.' But there came the wild beasts of Lebanon and trod down the thistle. Verse ConceptsCedarThornsTwelve Beings

Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt; thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it. Thou madest room for it, and caused it to take root, so that it filled the land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedar-trees. read more.
She stretched out her branches unto the sea, and her boughs unto the river. Why hast thou then broken down her hedge, that all they which go by, pluck off her grapes? The wild boar out of the wood hath rooted it up, and the beasts of the field have devoured it. Turn thee again, thou God of hosts, look down from heaven, behold and visit this vine,

Then did it grow, and was a great vine stock, but low by the ground: thus there came of it a vine, and it brought forth blossoms, and spread out branches. But there was another Eagle, a great one, which had great wings and many feathers: and behold, the roots of this vine had a hunger after him, and spread out his branches toward him, to water his fruits. Nevertheless it was planted upon a good ground beside great waters: so that by reason it should have brought out branches and fruit, and have been a goodly vine.' read more.
Speak thou therefore, 'Thus sayeth the LORD God: Shall this vine prosper? Shall not his roots be plucked out, his fruit be broken off, his green branches wither and fade away? Yea without either strong armies or many people, shall it be plucked up by the roots. Behold, it was planted: shall it prosper therefore? Shall it not be dried up and withered, yea even in the shooting out of his blossoms, as soon as the east wind bloweth?'"

"As for thy mother, she is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waterside: her fruits and branches are grown out of many waters, her stalks were so strong that men might have made staves thereof for officers, she grew so high in her stalks. So when men saw that she exceeded the height and multitude of her branches, she was rooted out in displeasure, and cast down to the ground. The East wind dried up her fruit; her strong stalks were broken off, withered, and burnt in the fire. read more.
But now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground. And there is a fire gone out of her stalks, which hath burnt up her branches and her fruit: so that she hath no more strong stalks, to be staves for officers. This is a piteous and miserable thing."

"Hearken another similitude. There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and made a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a strange country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, to receive the fruits of it, and the husbandmen caught his servants, and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. read more.
Again, he sent other servants more than the first, and they served them likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his own son, saying, 'They will fear my son.' But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir: come on, let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance, to ourselves.' And they caught him, and thrust him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the Lord of the vineyard cometh, what will he do with those husbandmen?" They said unto him, He will cruelly destroy those evil persons; and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall deliver him the fruit at times convenient.

Divers herdsmen have broken down my vineyard, and trodden upon my portion. Of my pleasant portion, they have made a wilderness and desert. Verse ConceptsShepherds, As Kings And LeadersVineyardInadequate ShepherdingDestroying VineyardsNames And Titles For The ChurchDisorganization

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a householder which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And he agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, and sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market place, read more.
and said unto them: go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will give you: and they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And he went out about the eleventh hour and found others standing idle, and said unto them, 'Why stand ye here all the day idle?' They said unto him, 'Because no man hath hired us'. He said to them, 'Go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.' When even was come, the Lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, 'Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning at the last, till thou come to the first.' And they which were hired about the eleventh hour, came and received every man a penny. Then came the first, supposing that they should receive more, and they like wise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, 'These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us which have borne the burden and heat of the day.' He answered to one of them, saying, 'Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?' Take that which is thy duty, and go thy way. I will give unto this last, as much as to thee. Is it not lawful for me to do as me listeth, with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. For many are called, and few be chosen."

He put forth this similitude, "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, 'Behold, this three years have I come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none. Cut it down. Why cumbereth it the ground?' And he answered and said unto him, 'Lord let it alone this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, read more.
to see whether it will bear fruit: and if it bear not, then after that, cut it down.'"

Now will I sing my beloved friend a song of his vineyard. My beloved friend hath a vineyard in a very fruitful plenteous ground. This he hedged, this he walled round about, and planted it with goodly grapes. In the midst of it builded he a tower, and made a wine press therein. And afterward when he looked that it should bring him grapes, it brought forth thorns. I show you now my cause, O ye Citizens of Jerusalem and whole Judah: Judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. read more.
What more could have been done for it, that I have not done? Wherefore than hath it given thorns, where I looked to have had grapes of it? Well, now I shall tell you how I will do with my vineyard: I will take the hedge from it, that it may perish, and break down the wall, that it may be trodden under foot. I will lay it waste, that it shall neither be twisted nor cut, but bear thorns and briers. I will also forbid the clouds, that they shall not rain upon it. As for the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts, it is the house of Israel, and whole Judah his fair planting. Of these he looked for equity, but see there is wrong; for righteousness, lo, it is but misery.

"What say ye to this? A certain man had two sons, and came to the elder and said, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not.' But afterward, repented and went. Then came he to the second, and said likewise, and he answered and said, 'I will sir.' Yet went he not. read more.
Whether of these twain did the will of the father?" And they said unto him, "The first." Jesus said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots shall come into the kingdom of God before you.

At the same time shall men sing of the vineyard of Muscatel. I the LORD keep it, and water it in due season. I watch day and night, that no man break into it.

Then said he to another, 'What owest thou?' And he said, 'An hundred quarters of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take thy bill, and write fourscore.' Verse ConceptsWeights And Measures, DryOther Volume MeasuresDebt

But while men slept, there came his foe, and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Verse ConceptsSleep, PhysicalParables Of SowingEnemies Of GodWeedPlanting SeedsSeedsSowing Seedssowing