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Allegories and Examples in Biblical Teaching and Theology

Biblical teaching frequently employs allegories and examples to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. An allegory, as used in biblical contexts, involves a narrative where characters and events represent deeper, often spiritual, meanings [1]. The Apostle Paul explicitly uses the term "allegory" in Galatians 4:24, referring to the story of Isaac and Ishmael as representing the two covenants: one leading to bondage (Agar/Hagar) and the other to freedom [1, 7]. John Chrysostom notes this specific instance of allegory in his homilies on Galatians [14].

Beyond explicit allegories, the Bible contains numerous narratives that function allegorically. Every parable, for instance, can be understood as an allegory [1]. Parables, derived from the Greek parabole, signify a "placing beside" or a comparison, illustrating one subject by another [3]. Jesus frequently used parables, drawing illustrations from familiar objects and incidents of life to convey profound truths [9]. Nathan's confrontation with David in 2 Samuel 12:1-4, using a story about a rich man and a poor man's lamb, is another example of an allegorical narrative [1]. The Old Testament also features allegorical descriptions, such as the depiction of old age in Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 and the imagery of Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt in Psalm 80 [1].

Examples, on the other hand, serve as models or warnings for behavior and faith. The New Testament frequently presents Christ as the ultimate example for believers. Peter exhorts Christians to follow Christ's example (1 Peter 2:21), and Jesus himself tells his disciples, "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15) [2]. Christ's life exemplifies qualities such as zeal (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17), sincerity (1 Peter 2:22), and diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [4, 5, 6].

Beyond Christ, biblical figures and communities are presented as examples. Pastors are called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [2]. The Thessalonians, for instance, became "imitators" of the Lord and the apostles, and in turn, became "ensamples" for others to imitate, particularly in their joyful witness amidst affliction [10]. The experiences of the Jews are cited as a warning example (Hebrews 4:11), and the prophets are held up as examples of suffering affliction (James 5:10) [2]. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, frequently points to biblical figures as examples, such as Abraham for his good use of riches, his hospitality, and his faith in offering Isaac [13, 14]. He also cites Babel as an example of mischievous agreement [12].

The use of examples extends to negative instances as well. The Old Testament provides numerous cases of divine judgment that serve as cautionary tales. For example, the judgment on angels who sinned, as described in Genesis 6:1-5 and elaborated in Jewish tradition, is presented in 2 Peter 2:4-10 as an example of God's vindication of the faithful and condemnation of those who deny him [11].

The distinction between allegory and example, while sometimes fluid, generally lies in their primary function. Allegories primarily convey abstract truths through symbolic narratives, while examples primarily offer concrete models for imitation or avoidance. However, a narrative can function both allegorically and as an example. For instance, the story of Abraham offering Isaac, while a type of Christ's death, also serves as an example of Abraham's faith and obedience [13].

The effectiveness of these literary devices lies in their ability to make complex spiritual and moral concepts accessible and memorable. By "placing beside" familiar experiences or historical events, the biblical authors and speakers, including Jesus, illuminate deeper realities [3, 9]. This pedagogical approach allows for truths to be grasped not merely intellectually, but also experientially, through identification with the characters or situations presented. The "declaratio sermonum tuorum illuminat, et intellectum dat parvulis" (the unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple) (Psalm 119:130, Vulgate) captures this principle, suggesting that divine revelation, often presented through such accessible forms, illuminates and grants understanding even to those who are not learned [8].

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Allegory — Used only in Gal. 4:24, where the apostle refers to the history of Isaac the free-born, and Ishmael the slave-born, and makes use of it allegorically. Every parable is an allegory. Nathan (2 Sam. 12:1-4) addresses David in an allegorical narrative. In the eightieth Psalm there is a beautiful allegory: "Thou broughtest a vine out of Egypt," etc. In Eccl. 12:2-6, there is a striking allegorical description of old age.”
  2. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
  3. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Zeal — Christ an example of -- Ps 69:9; Joh 2:17. Godly sorrow leads to -- 2Co 7:10,11. Of saints, ardent -- Ps 119:139. Provokes others to do good -- 2Co 9:2. Should be exhibited In spirit. -- Ro 12:11. In well-doing. -- Ga 4:18; Tit 2:14. In desiring the salvation of others. -- Ac 26:29; Ro 10:1. In contending for the faith. -- Jude 1:3. In missionary labours. -- Ro 15:19,23. For the glory of God. -- Nu 25:11,13. For the welfare of saints. -- Col 4:13. Against idolatry. -- 2Ki 23:4-14. Sometimes wrongly directed -- 2Sa 21:2; Ac 22:3,4; Php 3:6. Sometimes not accord”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  7. Galatians “Galatians 4:24 (KJV) — Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.”
  8. Psalms “Declaratio sermonum tuorum illuminat, et intellectum dat parvulis. -- Psalms 118:130”
  9. Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 11:39: cup and platter--remarkable example of our Lord's way of drawing the most striking illustrations of great truths from the most familiar objects and incidents of life. ravening--rapacity.”
  10. 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 1:6: And ye--answering to "For our Gospel," Th1 1:5. followers--Greek, "imitators." The Thessalonians in their turn became "ensamples" (Th1 1:7) for others to imitate. of the Lord--who was the apostle of the Father, and taught the word, which He brought from heaven, under adversities [BENGEL]. This was the point in which they imitated Him and His apostles, joyful witness for the word in much affliction: the second proof of their election of God (Th1 1:4); Th1 1:5 is the first (see on Th1 1:5). received the word in much affliction-- (Th1 2:14; ”
  11. 2 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Peter 2:4: 2:4-10 Three Old Testament examples of judgment show that God will vindicate those who remain faithful to him and will condemn those who deny him, including the false teachers (see 2:3). 2:4 The first example of judgment is the angels who sinned: The widespread Jewish tradition was that “the sons of God” in Gen 6:1-5 (understood as angels) had intercourse with women and were therefore judged by God at that time (see 1 Enoch 6–10; cp. 1 Pet 3:19-20; Jude 1:6). • in gloomy pits of darkness: This description of the underworld was popular in the ancient world and is p”
  12. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: [see Disciples ]. Applause, in Church, 10 . Arius, heresy of, refuted by Christ's indwelling in His disciples, 304 . Article, the, why added in the phrase, "The Word," 7 , 8 ; omission of, sometimes unimportant, 17 , 18 ; distinguishes Christ from all, 64 . "As," expressing agreement not comparison, 41 ; said of the Father and the Son implies their equality, of men not so, 303 , 304 . Asa, his gout a punishment for sin, 132 . Babel, an example of mischievous agreement, 206 . Baptism, promise at, 4 ; gift of the Spirit in, 36 ; regeneration in, 37 ; ”
  13. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: HOMILIES ON PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, AND THESSALONIANS. Aaron, why he was not smitten with leprosy as Miriam, 274 . Abel, suffered through love, 342 ; shall meet Christ, 356 . Abraham, example of good use of riches, 240 ; his offering Isaac a type of our Lord's death, 283 ; bid sacrifice Isaac, that he might be rewarded, 331 ; an example to bereaved parents, 336 ; prayed for Sodom, 342 ; preferred God to all things, 350 ; heard even his wife for God's sake, 350 ; blessed in his family for this, 350 ; not heard for Sodom, 358 ; hi”
  14. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: HOMILIES ON GALATIANS AND EPHESIANS. Abraham, justified by faith, 25 ; his household a pattern of harmony and good government, 148 ; his hospitality and contempt of riches, 156 . Absalom, 122 . Achan, his sin brought calamities upon all, 79 . Adam, the parent stock of mankind, 143 . Adultery, an instance of the willfulness of sin, 57 . Agar, interpretation of, 34 (note) . Allegory, what, 34 . Almsgiving, duty of, 45 ; the danger of omitting the duty, 69 ; enforced, 172 . Altar, Christian, 64 . Amattari, the family of, mentioned 1”
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