{
  "id": "dict_001864",
  "term": "Fable",
  "slug": "fable",
  "letter": "F",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "In the New Testament, fable usually refers to false stories or invented teachings that turn people away from God’s truth. It is used as a warning against speculative or deceptive religious ideas.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "In Scripture, especially in the Pastoral Epistles, fables are portrayed as fabricated stories or myths that distract from sound doctrine and faithful obedience. The term does not condemn all forms of illustrative storytelling, but false or empty narratives presented in place of divine truth. Biblical usage is consistently negative.",
  "description_academic_full": "In biblical usage, a fable is not simply any made-up story but a false, empty, or speculative account that competes with or corrupts the truth God has revealed. The New Testament warns believers, especially church leaders, to reject such fables because they promote controversy, distraction, and error rather than faith, godliness, and sound teaching. While ordinary illustrations or parables may use story form for instruction, the biblical concern with fables is specifically directed toward invented religious claims, myths, and teachings that do not accord with apostolic truth. The safest conclusion is that Scripture uses the term negatively for deceptive or unprofitable narratives that draw people away from the gospel and healthy doctrine.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "In the New Testament, fable usually refers to false stories or invented teachings that turn people away from God’s truth. It is used as a warning against speculative or deceptive religious ideas.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/fable/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/fable.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}