The Metaphorics of the Parable of the Ten Maidens and the Sacrament of Matrimony

Abstract

Parables as a literary genre were a favorite form used by Jesus. The essence of every parable is a comparison, a parabola, a juxtaposition of a certain fragment of reality with an aspect of the Kingdom of God. The German biblical scholar Robert Funk has made a new approach to the interpretation of parables, which consists in a metaphorical interpretation of Jesus’ narration. Metaphors join together even extreme ideas creating new, figurative descriptions of reality. Such collections of metaphors create the so-called „image fields”. The metaphoric interpretation of parables, according to Funk, gives grater possibilities of interpretation, a wider use of the same parable in relation to different aspects of life.

Using the metaphoric method of interpreting parables one must observe the principles of biblical hermeneutics and the principles of theology. Such a new approach to the interpretation of parables is very creative for the homilist, who in preaching the word of God is obliged to interpret it and bring it up to date. It depends on him whether or not his listeners hear God’s word and adhere to it, taking up the call placed before them.

This article is an attempt to use metaphorical interpretation as regards the parable of the wise and foolish maidens in the light of matrimonial themes. In its content it touches the issue of the essence of parables as a literary genre. Next it presents the main message and the symbolism of the passage and gives suggestions of themes connected with matrimony.