Interpreting Allegorical Passages in the Bible Faithfully
Allegory, derived from a Greek word meaning "to speak otherwise," is a figure of speech where a representation of one thing is intended to excite the representation of another [1]. In biblical interpretation, an allegory presents a twofold sense: an immediate or historical meaning understood from the words, and an ultimate meaning concerned with the things signified by those words [1]. Every parable, for instance, can be considered an allegory [4].
The Bible itself contains allegorical passages. For example, Paul uses allegory in Galatians 4:24 when referring to the histories of Isaac and Ishmael [4]. The prophet Nathan addresses David with an allegorical narrative in 2 Samuel 12:1-4, and Psalm 80 features an allegory describing Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt [4]. Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 also provides a striking allegorical description of old age [4].
Interpreting allegorical passages faithfully requires understanding the intended analogy and its historical context [6]. Parables, a form of allegory, are stories that draw an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth [6]. To grasp a parable's central message, one must identify this central analogy within its historical setting and the broader context of the Gospel text [6]. It is crucial to avoid finding speculative allegorical meanings in every element of a parable if such meanings were not originally intended [6].
The Psalms emphasize the importance of understanding God's precepts to gain insight [2, 5]. The "entrance of your words gives light" and "understanding to the simple" [3]. This principle applies to allegorical texts as well, guiding interpreters to seek the divine truth conveyed through the figurative language.
Sources
- 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”
- Psalms “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. -- Psalms 119:27”
- Psalms “The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple. -- Psalms 119:130”
- 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.”
- Psalms “Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. -- Psalms 119:104”
- 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.”