Mathal is interpreted in four ways:
1. Mathal is used in the sense of similarity, similar things, or similar situations; as in the following verses:
Such are the mathals (that is, similar situations) We set forth for the people (that is, We describe them). (al-‘Ankabūt 29:43)
Allah sets forth a mathal (that is, describes a similar situation). (al-Naḥl 16:75, al-Zumar 39:29, al-Taḥrīm 66:10)
Such is their mathal in the Torah. As for their mathal in the Gospel (that is, the similarity of their situation)... (al-Fatḥ 48:29)
2. Mathal is used in the sense of way of life, custom, path, state and conduct, or behavior; as in the following verses:
Or did you think you would enter Paradise without facing the mathal of those who passed away before you (that is, the states that became customary for the believers of previous communities)? (al-Baqara 2:214)
The mathal (that is, their state) of the former peoples has passed. (al-Zukhruf 43:8)
A mathal from those who passed before you (that is, the states of those from previous communities who were subjected to punishment)... (al-Nūr 24:34)
3. Mathal is used in the sense of lesson or admonition; as in the following verses:
Thus We made them a precedent and a mathal (that is, a lesson) for those who would come after. (al-Zukhruf 43:56)
Indeed, he [‘Īsā], is not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him a mathal (that is, a lesson) for the Children of Israel. (al-Zukhruf 43:59)
4. Mathal is used in the sense of punishment; as in the following verse:
And We struck for each of them (that is, for each of the past communities) mathals (that is, We described the punishment that would befall them in this world / We explained it). (al-Furqān 25:39)
And We have set forth mathals for you (that is, We have explained the punishments that befell previous communities). (Ibrāhīm 14:45)
With this command, the disbelievers of Mecca are being warned.