Balancing Analogies and Examples with the Plain Sense of Scripture
Interpreting Scripture often involves understanding the interplay between its plain sense and the use of analogies, metaphors, and examples. The Bible frequently employs figurative language, such as parables and similitudes, to convey spiritual truths [1, 2]. Recognizing these literary devices is crucial for accurate interpretation, as misinterpreting figurative language as literal, or vice versa, can lead to misunderstandings.
Parables, for instance, are a prominent feature in both the Old and New Testaments. The Greek word parabolē signifies "placing beside" or "comparison," indicating that a parable illustrates one subject by drawing a comparison with another [1, 2]. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew mashal (similitude) is used broadly to denote proverbs, prophetic utterances, and enigmatic sayings [2]. Examples include proverbs like 1 Samuel 10:12 or 24:13, prophetic messages in Numbers 23:7, and enigmatic maxims such as Psalm 78:2 [1, 2]. In the New Testament, parabolē can refer to proverbs (Mark 7:17), typical emblems (Hebrews 9:9), or allegories (Matthew 15:15) [2]. More commonly, parables are understood as comparisons of earthly things with heavenly truths, often presented as "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning" [2]. Jesus frequently used parables to teach, as seen in Matthew 13:3-9, where the parable of the sower addresses the varied responses to his message [5].
When interpreting parables, it is essential to identify the central analogy and understand it within its historical context and the broader Gospel narrative [5]. Scholars caution against finding speculative allegorical meanings in every detail of a parable that were not originally intended [5]. The purpose of such comparisons is often to make complex spiritual truths accessible and intelligible, even to those with limited understanding [7].
Beyond parables, the Bible uses various forms of analogy and example. Metaphors are expanded upon, as seen in Psalm 78:2 and Proverbs 1:6 [1]. Prophetic utterances can also be considered a form of figurative language, as in Numbers 23:7, 18 [1]. The apostle Paul, for example, uses the analogy of milk to describe the "plain and easy doctrines of the Gospel" for new believers, contrasting it with "strong meat" for those more mature in faith [9]. This analogy, while common in Jewish tradition to describe the law, is applied by Paul to the Gospel itself, highlighting its nourishing and easily digestible qualities for spiritual infants [9].
The use of examples is also a significant interpretive tool. The author of Hebrews, in chapter 12, challenges believers to endure by imitating Jesus, who is presented as the "supreme example of faithfulness" [10]. This passage also employs the metaphor of a race, common in Greco-Roman literature, to illustrate the need for endurance in life, where "extra weight hinders a runner" just as sin "trips us up" [10]. The "huge crowd of witnesses" from chapter 11 are presented as examples of faith, bearing witness to God's blessings on a life of faith [10].
The plain sense of Scripture, however, remains foundational. While figurative language enriches understanding, it is generally understood that the literal or grammatical-historical meaning should be sought first, unless the text clearly indicates a non-literal interpretation. For instance, when Paul speaks of "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" in 1 Corinthians 2:13, some interpretations suggest he means expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit, or illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [4]. This approach emphasizes internal biblical consistency and cross-referencing, where Scripture interprets Scripture [4].
The importance of the plain sense is also evident in how biblical authors cite other scriptures. John Gill, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:20, notes that when an apostle cites a passage, such as Psalm 94:11, with the phrase "And again," it serves to provide further confirmation and illustration of a point, indicating a direct application of the earlier text [6]. This practice suggests that the original meaning of the cited text is being brought to bear on the new context.
However, even seemingly straightforward statements can have deeper implications. For example, when John concludes his Gospel by stating that "there are many other things which Jesus did," and if "every one" were written, "even the world itself would not hold the books," he uses an expression that, while seemingly hyperbolic, is intended to convey the vastness of his unrecorded material without being pressed too literally [8]. This demonstrates a nuanced understanding of language, where even strong statements are not always meant to be taken with absolute literalism in every detail, but rather to convey a profound truth or magnitude [8].
The balance between analogies and the plain sense is also reflected in the call for self-examination against the standard of Christ. Adam Clarke, commenting on Galatians 6:4, argues that a Christian should "examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ," rather than comparing himself to others [3]. This emphasizes the direct application of Christ's teachings and example as the "only rule" and "only pattern," suggesting a straightforward understanding of his life and words as a model for believers [3].
Sources
- 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”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or allegory (Matt. 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, "an eart”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:20: And again,.... Not in the same place, nor in the same book, but in the Psalms, in Psa 94:11. This form of citing Scriptures answers to and moreover, used by the Jewish doctors when the matter does not so clearly appear from the first proof, and therefore they produce another (q): and so here the apostle, for the further confirmation and illustration of this point, that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, to the testimony of Eliphaz, adds this of David, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain; in the Psalms it is, "the Lord ”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:30: Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? - How amiable is this carefulness of Jesus! How instructive to the preachers of his word! He is not solicitous to seek fine turns of eloquence to charm the minds of his auditors, nor to draw such descriptions and comparisons as may surprise them: but studies only to make himself understood; to instruct to advantage; to give true ideas of faith and holiness; and to find out such expressions as may render necessary truths easy and intelligible to the meanest capacities. The very wisdom of God seems to be at a loss to find out”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 21:25: And there are many other things which Jesus did--(Compare Joh 20:30-31). if . . . written every one, I suppose--an expression used to show that what follows is not to be pressed too far. even the world itself would not hold the books, &c.--not a mere hyperbolical expression, unlike the sublime simplicity of this writer, but intended to let his reader know that, even now that he had done, he felt his materials so far from being exhausted, that he was still running over, and could multiply "Gospels" to almost any extent within the strict limits of wha”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:2: I have fed you with milk,.... It is usual with the Jews to compare the law to milk, and they say (c), that "as milk strengthens and nourishes an infant, so the law strengthens and nourishes the soul;'' but the apostle does not here mean , "the milk of the law", as they (d) call it, but the Gospel; comparable to milk, for its purity and wholesomeness, for the nourishing virtue there is in it, and because easy of digestion; for he designs by it, the more plain and easy doctrines of the Gospel, such as babes in Christ were capable of understanding and receiving”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”