Fable
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.
At a Glance
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.
Description
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.