In short
The Greek word for parable (parabolē) combines para (beside) and ballein (to place): meaning something placed beside something else, to be compared to it. Jesus’ parables are earthly stories with heavenly meaning, which, in their obscure nature, need more explanation.
The Greek word for parable (parabolē) is composed from the words para (beside, alongside) and ballein (to throw, to place). It is therefore literally something that is placed alongside something else in order to be compared to it. In the context of Jesus’ ministry a parable is an earthly story that has heavenly significance, and which, because of its obscure nature, requires further explanation.1
2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.