Has a parable originally used by Jesus been left out of Luke 14?

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I think you might be loading a 21st century definition of the English word "parable" onto a 1st century Greek word.

παραβολή [parabole] is also translated "proverb", "figure", "saying", and "teaching" elsewhere in the New Testament, as well as in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament.

Examples:

Luke 4:23 (RSVCE)

And He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb [Gr. παραβολή], ‘Physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country.’”

Hebrews 9:8–9 (RSVCE)

By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary is not yet opened as long as the outer tent is still standing (which is symbolic for [lit. a figure - Gr. παραβολή - of] the present age).

Sirach 1:25 (RSVCE)

In the treasuries of wisdom are wise sayings [Gr. παραβολή], but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

Upvote:2

I agree that the OP is assumming a too restricted sense of the word parable (just as an allegory with some religious or moral teaching). But I also doubt that Jesus is merely teaching here how to behave at a marriage feast.

From St. Bede, (Catena Aurea)

But as the Evangelist calls this admonition a parable, we must briefly examine what is its mystical meaning. Whosoever being bidden has come to the marriage feast of Christ’s Church, being united to the members of the Church by faith, let him not exalt himself as higher than others by boasting of his merits. For he will have to give place to one more honorable who is bidden afterwards, seeing that he is overtaken by the activity of those who followed him, and with shame he occupies the lowest place, now that knowing better things of the others he brings low whatever high thoughts he once had of his own works. But a man sits in the lowest place according to that verse, The greater you are, humble yourself in all things. But the Lord when He comes, whomsoever He shall find humble, blessing him with the name of friend, He will command him to go up higher. For whoever humbles himself as a little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. But it is well said, Then shall you have glory, that you may not begin to seek now what is kept for you in the end. It may also be understood, even in this life, for daily does God come to His marriage feast, despising the proud; and often giving to the humble such great gifts of His Spirit, that the assembly of those who sit at meat, i.e. the faithful, glorify them in wonder. But in the general conclusion which is added, it is plainly declared that the preceding discourse of our Lord must be understood typically. For not every one who exalts himself before men is abased; nor is he who humbles himself in their sight, exalted by them. But whoever exalts himself because of his merits, the Lord shall bring low, and him who humbles himself on account of his mercies, shall He exalt.

In his comentary, Fitzmyer notes:

... though here Jesus introduces a norm of good behaviour in a concrete social event, the addition of the last versicle (11) contributes to give this norm a transcendental dimension. Nevertheless, it's still open to discussion if this is enough to confer a true character of "parable" to the first part of the episode.

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