How to Say "Parable" in Greek

παραβολή

paravolífeminine

The Greek word for 'parable' is παραβολή (paravolí).

A παραβολή refers to a short story illustrating a lesson.

Meaning: short story illustrating a lesson (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of the prefix para- (beside) and bolē (a throwing), literally meaning 'a throwing beside' or a comparison.

The feminine form is παραβολή, and the genitive plural form is παραβολών.

paravolí

In modern Greek, παραβολή is the exact same word used in mathematics to describe a 'parabola'.
The Greek root βολή relates to throwing, which is why the word shares a linguistic ancestor with 'hyperbole', meaning to throw 'over' or 'beyond' the truth.
The root of the word, βολή, refers to the act of throwing, which is the same root found in words like 'ballistics' or 'projectile'.

Ο Ιησούς χρησιμοποιούσε συχνά παραβολές για να μεταδώσει ζωτικές αλήθειες.
Jesus often used parables to convey vital truths.
Αυτή η παραβολή έχει βαθύ νόημα.
Afti i paravoli echei vathi noima.
This parable has a deep meaning.
Μου είπες μια παραβολή για τη ζωή.
Mou eipes mia paravoli gia ti zoi.
You told me a parable about life.
Η παραβολή αυτή είναι πολύ γνωστή.
I paravoli afti einai poly gnosti.
This parable is very well known.

Nikos and Eleni are discussing a book in a library.

Νίκος Nikos

Ελένη, διάβασες την παραβολή στο βιβλίο;
Eléni, diávases tin parabolí sto vivlío?
Eleni, did you read the parable in the book?
Ελένη Eleni

Ναι, Νίκο, ήταν πολύ συγκινητική.
Nai, Níko, ítan polý syngkinitikí.
Yes, Nikos, it was very touching.
Νίκος Nikos

Ποιο είναι το μάθημα της παραβολής;
Poio einai to máthisma tis parabolís?
What is the lesson of the parable?
Ελένη Eleni

Μας διδάσκει να είμαστε ειλικρινείς.
Mas didáskei na eímaste eilikrinéis.
It teaches us to be honest.

Sources

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