Preventing Overemphasis on Allegory in Biblical Interpretation
Allegory, as a figure of speech, involves representing one thing in order to evoke the representation of another, carrying both an immediate historical sense and an ultimate meaning signified by the words [1]. While allegory can be a powerful interpretive tool, as seen in biblical examples like Nathan's address to David (2 Sam. 12:1-4) or the description of old age in Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 [2], an overemphasis on allegorical interpretation can obscure the literal meaning of the text and lead to speculative readings.
The Apostle Paul himself uses allegory in Galatians 4:24, referring to the history of Isaac and Ishmael to illustrate a theological point [2]. However, this specific instance does not grant license for interpreters to allegorize every passage. The danger of over-allegorization lies in detaching the text from its historical and grammatical context, potentially leading to interpretations that are not grounded in the author's original intent. For instance, John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, emphasizes the importance of understanding the straightforward meaning of biblical advice, such as not being "over much righteous" in Ecclesiastes 7:16, which he interprets as a warning against ostentatious righteousness rather than a literal prohibition against pursuing holiness [4]. He advises readers to "lay hold on this" advice, suggesting a direct application rather than a hidden allegorical meaning [7].
one commentary tradition Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (JFB) often focuses on the direct implications and historical context of passages. For example, in Ezekiel 16:43, JFB interprets "fretted me" in the context of Israel's ingratitude for God's favors and their spiritual unchastity (idolatry), which is described as "peculiarly hateful to God" [6]. This interpretation remains rooted in the historical narrative and the explicit condemnation of idolatry found elsewhere in scripture [3]. Similarly, JFB's commentary on Hebrews 4:15 highlights the literal sympathy of Christ as High Priest, who, though exalted, retains His nature and affection for humanity, providing a motive for believers to "hold our profession" [8]. This approach prioritizes the direct theological implications of Christ's humanity and priestly role.
Even when discussing suffering, JFB on 2 Corinthians 4:17 emphasizes the temporal nature of "light affliction" in contrast to the "eternal weight of glory," interpreting the Greek to mean "our present light (burden of) affliction" [9]. This reading focuses on the direct contrast presented by Paul, rather than seeking a deeper, hidden allegorical meaning.
The Reformed tradition, as exemplified by John Calvin, also demonstrates a careful approach to interpretation. While Calvin acknowledges the symbolic or figurative language in scripture, his commentaries generally prioritize the plain sense of the text. For instance, in his commentary on Isaiah, Calvin is concerned with the precise meaning of words and phrases, even noting discrepancies in translation to ensure accuracy [5]. This meticulous attention to linguistic detail and historical context serves to prevent arbitrary allegorical readings that might deviate from the intended message.
Preventing an overemphasis on allegory involves prioritizing the grammatical-historical method of interpretation, which seeks to understand the text in its original historical, cultural, and linguistic context. This approach acknowledges that while some passages are explicitly allegorical or parabolic, the majority of scripture communicates through direct language and historical narrative.
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.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7:16: Be not righteous over much,.... This is not meant of true and real righteousness, even moral righteousness, a man cannot be too holy or too righteous; but of a show and ostentation of righteousness, and of such who would be thought to be more righteous and holy than others, and therefore despise those who, as they imagine, do not come up to them; and are very rigid and censorious in their judgment of others, and very severe in their reproofs of them; and, that they may appear very righteous persons, will do more than what the law requires of them to do, even wor”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 14.38: expression adopted by the translator is much less felicitous; but it is hoped that it will aid the judgment, though it may fail to gratify the taste, of the English reader. — Ed . 122 Nec dubium est, quin animos piorum a libidinoso coitu data opera abducere voluit Isaias, ut ad sacrum mysterium attenti forent. Et certe quamvis in conjugio, etc. 123 It is evident that, by a slip of the pen, Samaria is put for Syria . — Ed . 124 The former word occurs in the version, and the latter at the exposition. — Ed . 125 And rejoice in Rezin and Remalia”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 16:43: (Eze 16:22; Psa 78:42). In gratitude for God's favors to her in her early history. fretted me-- (Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30). thou shalt not commit this lewdness above all thine abominations--that is, this the wickedness (compare Zac 5:8), peculiarly hateful to God, namely, spiritual unchastity or idolatry, over and "above" (that is, besides) all thine other abominations. I will put it out of thy power to commit it by cutting thee off. FAIRBAIRN translates, "I will not do what is scandalous (namely, encouraging thee in thy sin by letting it pass with im”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7:18: It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this,.... This advice, as the Arabic version, in the several branches of it; neither to be over much righteous or wicked, and over much wise or foolish; to avoid the one and the other, to keep clear of extremes, and pursue the path that is safest; such advice as this it is right to lay hold on, embrace, and hold fast; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand; from what follows concerning the fear of God; or "this and this" may be rendered "this and that" (c), and the sense be, lay hold on this, that is, the last p”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 4:15: For--the motive to "holding our profession" (Heb 4:14), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. Though "great" (Heb 4:14), He is not above caring for us; nay, as being in all points one with us as to manhood, sin only excepted, He sympathizes with us in every temptation. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. Compare Mat 26:38, "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom H”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 4:17: which is but for a moment--"Our PRESENT light (burden of) affliction" (so the Greek; compare Mat 11:30), [ALFORD]. Compare "now for a season . . . in heaviness" (Pe1 1:6). The contrast, however, between this and the "ETERNAL weight of glory" requires, I think, the translation, "Which is but for the present passing moment." So WAHL. "The lightness of affliction" (he does not express "burden" after "light"; the Greek is "the light of affliction") contrasts beautifully with the "weight of the glory." worketh--rather, "worketh out." a far more e”