Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow.

then he addressed himself to them in many parables, and thus began his instructions.

Then Jesus address'd himself to them in this parabolical manner. a certain person planted a vineyard, made a fence about it, clear'd the way for a wine-press, built a tower, and committed it to the care of vine-dressers, while he was travelling abroad.

And Jesus continued to speak to them in parables, and said,

but calling them to him, he said by way of similitude, how can satan dispossess satan?

Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity.

All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable.

therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend.

his stile in publick was figurative, but he explain'd every thing to his disciples in private.

And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath.read more.
therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend.

he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because,

he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear.

These things have I express'd in a figurative way: the time is coming when my language will be no longer enigmatical, but I shall give you a plain account relating to my father.

Jesus talk'd to them in this figurative way: but they did not understand the meaning of his discourse.

When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it?

then Peter said to him, tell us the meaning of that expression.

And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable.

but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest?

then Peter said to him, Lord, do you apply this similitude to us, or to all in general?

When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them.

then they contriv'd how they might seize him, for they perceived, that he applied the parable to them; but for fear of the people they left him, and went away.

The chief priests, and the Scribes perceiving that he had applied this parable to them, were eager to seize upon him at that very time; but they were afraid of the people.