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עברית
משל — meaning in English: parable
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of / belongs to
שפות
sfot
מוצגות
mutsagot
הארי
ha'ari
המקוריים
hamekoriyim
משל
mishel
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literary
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word משל in religious or educational contexts, particularly when discussing moral teachings or fables. For example, you might hear it during a Torah study session, where parables are analyzed for their deeper meanings, or in storytelling to illustrate a point in everyday conversations.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is סיפור (sipur), which means 'story.' However, while סיפור can refer to any narrative, משל specifically implies a moral or lesson embedded within the tale. You would choose משל when you want to emphasize the instructional aspect of the narrative.
Culture
The word משל comes from a root that signifies 'to be like' or 'to compare,' which reflects its purpose of drawing parallels between familiar situations and moral lessons. Parables play a crucial role in Jewish literature, especially in the Talmud, where they are used to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner, offering insights that resonate across generations.
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