Literal Interpretation of Allegory in Biblical Exegesis
Allegory is a figure of speech where a representation of one thing is intended to evoke the representation of another, containing a meaning beyond the literal words [1]. In every allegory, there is a dual sense: the immediate or historical meaning conveyed by the words, and the ultimate meaning signified by those words [1]. The term "allegory" appears in the New Testament only in Galatians 4:24, where Paul uses it in reference to the history of Isaac and Ishmael [2].
Parables are a common form of allegory [2]. The Greek word parabole signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [3, 4]. In the New Testament, parabole has a broad application, sometimes referring to short proverbs, dark prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, or expanded metaphors [3]. Easton's Bible Dictionary notes that in the Old Testament, the Hebrew mashal (similitude) is used for proverbs, prophetic utterances, and enigmatic sayings [4]. Proverbs 1:6 mentions understanding "a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas" [5].
While parables are allegorical in nature, interpreters caution against over-allegorizing every detail. For example, in interpreting Jesus' parables, it is important to identify the central analogy and understand it within its historical context and the Gospel narrative [7]. Speculative allegorical meanings not intended by the author should be avoided [7].
Paul's use of allegory in Galatians 4:24-25 illustrates this point. He connects Abraham's human attempt to fulfill God's promises with the human attempt to attain salvation through law-keeping. Hagar's status as a slave-wife corresponds to Israel's enslaved status under the law, contrasting with the freedom of those who have faith in Christ [6]. Tyndale House's commentary on Galatians notes that while allegorical writing involves characters and events symbolizing deeper meanings, allegorical interpretations can sometimes ignore the historical meaning of the text [6].
Some biblical passages are clearly allegorical, such as the description of old age in Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 [2]. Other texts, like Psalm 80, use extended allegories, such as "Thou broughtest a vine out of Egypt" [2]. However, a "literal interpretation" of allegory means understanding that the text is intentionally figurative and seeking the underlying meaning the author intended to convey through the symbolic representation, rather than treating the symbolic elements as literal historical facts [1, 6]. For instance, objections to a literal interpretation of Ezekiel's prophecy concerning Gog and Magog include the ideal nature of the name Gog and the unlikelihood of the specified nations acting in concert, suggesting a non-literal, perhaps symbolic, understanding of the prophecy [8].
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”
- 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.”
- 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”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:6 (Darby) — to understand a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas.”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 4:24: 4:24-25 Paul connects Abraham’s human attempt to fulfill God’s promises (4:23) with the human attempt in Galatia and elsewhere to attain salvation by keeping the law. Hagar’s status as a slave-wife corresponds with Israel’s enslaved status under the law. This status contrasts with the status of those who have faith in Christ (4:26-27). 4:24 serve as an illustration (literally are being allegorized): In allegorical writing, every character and event is symbolic of a deeper meaning. Allegorical interpretations often ignore the historical meaning of the text and i”
- 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.”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 37:28: (Eze 36:23). sanctify Israel--set it apart as holy unto Myself and inviolable (Exo 19:5-6). The objections to a literal interpretation of the prophecy are--(1) The ideal nature of the name Gog, which is the root of Magog, the only kindred name found in Scripture or history. (2) The nations congregated are selected from places most distant from Israel, and from one another, and therefore most unlikely to act in concert (Persians and Libyans, &c.). (3) The whole spoil of Israel could not have given a handful to a tithe of their number, or maintained”