Mashal (allegory)

A Mashal (Hebrew: מָשָׁל, plural: Meshalim מְשָׁלִים) is a Hebrew word that generally translates to "parable," "allegory," or "proverb." It's a literary device used to convey a moral or spiritual lesson through a story, comparison, or analogy.

The term is broad and encompasses a range of literary forms. While often used to describe short, easily understood stories with a clear moral, a mashal can also refer to more complex allegories requiring deeper interpretation. The purpose of a mashal is typically didactic – to teach a principle or provide insight into a more abstract concept by grounding it in a relatable narrative.

Meshalim are found extensively in Jewish literature, particularly in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), Talmud, and Midrash. The Book of Proverbs (Mishlei) is a prime example, containing numerous short meshalim offering wisdom and guidance. In these contexts, the mashal serves as a means of making complex ideas accessible to a wider audience, and it often involves the use of symbolism and metaphor. The use of a mashal requires the listener or reader to connect the narrative to the underlying principle, encouraging active engagement with the message.