Elements of Zenos’s Allegory

Church Educational System

An allegory or a parable should not be pushed too far in an attempt to correlate every item precisely with some outside reality. However, certain major elements need to be defined if the allegory itself is to be understood. The following items seem important in Zenos’s allegory:

ItemInterpretation
1. The vineyard1. The world
2. Master of the vineyard2. Jesus Christ
3. The servant3. The Lord’s prophets
4. Tame olive tree4. The house of Israel, the Lord’s covenant people
5. Wild olive tree5. Gentiles, or non-Israel (later in the parable, wild branches are apostate Israel)
6. Branches6. Groups of people
7. The roots of the tame olive tree7. The gospel covenant and promises made by God that constantly give life and sustenance to the tree
8. Fruit of the tree8. The lives or works of men
9. Digging, pruning, fertilizing9. The Lord’s work with his children, which seeks to persuade them to be obedient and produce good fruit
10. Transplanting the branches10. Scattering of groups throughout the world, or restoring them to their original position
11. Grafting11. The process of spiritual rebirth wherein one is joined to the covenant
12. Decaying branches12. Wickedness and apostasy
13. Casting the branches into the fire13. The judgment of God

Book of Mormon Student Manual (1996 Edition)

References