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LOY Excursus: Criteria for Identifying Separated Twin Parables and Similes in the Synoptic Gospels

& LOY Excursus

Even casual Gospel observers notice that some of Jesus’ parables and similes come in pairs that resemble one another so strongly that they might be regarded as twins. But how does one determine which parables and similes truly are twins, and which might just bear a family resemblance? In this post David N. Bivin and Joshua N. Tilton suggest five criteria that authenticate parables and similes as true twins.

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Even casual Gospel observers notice that some of Jesus’ parables and similes come in pairs that resemble one another so strongly that they might be regarded as twins. But how does one determine which parables and similes truly are twins, and which might just bear a family resemblance? In this post David N. Bivin and Joshua N. Tilton suggest five criteria that authenticate parables and similes as true twins.

To access this post, you need Basic JP Membership.

  • David N. Bivin [1939-2026]

    David N. Bivin (20 July 1939 - 14 July 2026) was founder and editor of Jerusalem Perspective from 1987-2025. A native of Cleveland, Oklahoma, in the United States, Bivin lived over 60 years in Israel, ever since he came to Jerusalem in 1963 on a Rotary…
    [Read more about author]

    Joshua N. Tilton

    Joshua N. Tilton studied at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, where he earned a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies (2002). Joshua continued his studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, where he obtained a Master of Divinity degree in 2005. After seminary…
    [Read more about author]

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