Balancing Examples and Illustrations in Biblical Interpretation

Biblical interpretation often involves discerning between examples and illustrations, which serve distinct purposes in conveying meaning. An example typically presents a model for behavior or a demonstration of a principle, while an illustration uses a familiar concept to explain a less familiar one ^[4].

The Bible frequently uses examples to guide believers. Christ himself is presented as the supreme example of faithfulness, whose suffering and endurance are to be imitated ^[12]. Pastors are also called to be examples to their flocks ^[4]. The experiences of the Jews in the Old Testament serve as a warning for later generations ^[4]. Similarly, the prophets are presented as examples of enduring affliction ^[4]. Diligence, for instance, is exemplified by Christ's early morning prayers and his commitment to his Father's business ^[5]. Believers are encouraged to be diligent in seeking God, obeying him, striving for perfection, cultivating Christian graces, and guarding their hearts ^[5]. Even in instances where biblical figures exhibit questionable behavior, such as the "holy fathers" in Genesis, interpreters like Calvin caution against using their actions as a pretext for sin, emphasizing that the context and author's intent must be considered ^[8].

Illustrations, on the other hand, function as comparisons or similitudes to clarify a subject ^[1]. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, literally means "placing beside" or "comparison" ^[1]. Parables, as used in the New Testament, are stories that typically draw an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth ^[10]. To understand a parable, one must identify the central analogy and interpret it within its historical and textual context, avoiding speculative allegorical meanings for every detail ^[10]. For example, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) addresses the varied responses to Jesus' message among the Jewish nation ^[10].

Figurative language often employs illustrations. An allegory, for instance, is a figure of speech where a representation of one thing is intended to excite the representation of another ^[3]. It possesses a twofold sense: an immediate, historical meaning and an ultimate meaning signified by the words ^[3]. The "light of thy countenance upon us" (Psalm 4:6) is an illustration for divine favor ^[11]. God's use of "weapons like theirs" (Psalm 64:7) is a heightened contrast, illustrating divine power ^[7]. The "depths of the sea" can illustrate severe afflictions from which God delivers ^[6]. Even natural phenomena, like the wind and fire, are described as "fulfilling his word" or "law," illustrating their obedience to divine command ^[9].

The concept of "balance" itself can be an illustration. In biblical texts, balances are a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Psalm 62:9; Proverbs 11:1) ^[2]. The Hebrew word kanah, translated as "balance," also means "reed" or "cane," and can refer to a measuring reed ^[2]. The image of a "pair of balances" can also denote great want and scarcity, as seen in Revelation 6 ^[2].

When interpreting biblical texts, it is crucial to distinguish between an example, which provides a pattern or warning, and an illustration, which clarifies a concept through comparison. This distinction helps in accurately grasping the intended message and applying it appropriately.

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: Balance — Occurs in Lev. 19:36 and Isa. 46:6, as the rendering of the Hebrew kanch', which properly means "a reed" or "a cane," then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Ezek. 40:3, 5; 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, mozena'yim, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered (Dan. 5:27). The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Ps. 62:9; Prov. 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Rev. 6”
Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Allegory — a figure of speech, which has been defined by Bishop Marsh, in accordance with its etymology as, "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing." ("A figurative representation containing a meaning other than and in addition to the literal." "A fable or parable; is a short allegory with one definite moral."--Encyc. Brit.) In every allegory there is a twofold sense--the immediate or historic, which is understood from the words, and the ultimate, which is concerned with the things signified by the words. The alle”
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).”
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:”
Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 68:22: Former examples of God's deliverance are generalized: as He has done, so He will do. from Bashan--the farthest region; and-- depths of the sea--the severest afflictions. Out of all, God will bring them. The figures of Psa 68:23 denote the completeness of the conquest, not implying any savage cruelty (compare Kg2 9:36; Isa 63:1-6; Jer 15:3).”
Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 64:7: The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 20.15: implied, (so that drunkards may not plead the example of the holy fathers as a pretext for their crime,) but an honorable and moderate liberality. I acknowledge, indeed, that the word has a double meaning, and is often taken in an ill sense; as in Genesis 9:21 , and in similar places: but in the present instance the design of Moses is clear. Should any one object, that a frugal use of food and drink is simply that which suffices for the nourishing of the body: I answer, although food is properly for the supply of our necessities”
Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 148:8: fulfilling his word--or, law, may be understood of each. Next the most distinguished productions of the vegetable world.”
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.”
Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 4:6: Contrast true with vain confidence. light of thy countenance upon us--figure for favor (Num 6:26; Psa 44:3; Psa 81:16).”
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”

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