Using Allegories to Illustrate Deeper Meaning in Scripture
Allegory is a figure of speech that represents one thing in order to evoke the representation of another, carrying both an immediate, historical sense and an ultimate, signified meaning [1]. The term "allegory" appears in Galatians 4:24, where the apostle Paul uses the history of Isaac and Ishmael allegorically [2].
In biblical literature, allegory is closely related to the concept of a parable. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [3]. While every parable can be considered an allegory, parables are often shorter allegories with a single, definite moral [1, 2]. The Hebrew term mashal is equivalent to the Greek parabole and can denote a proverb, a prophetic utterance, or an enigmatic saying [6].
Examples of allegorical narratives and descriptions in Scripture include:
- Nathan's address to David The prophet Nathan uses an allegorical narrative to confront David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-4) [2].
- The Vine from Egypt Psalm 80 contains an allegory describing Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt [2].
- Description of Old Age Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 provides a striking allegorical depiction of the physical decline associated with old age [2].
- Proverbs and Enigmas The book of Proverbs mentions understanding "a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas" (Proverbs 1:6, Darby) [5]. Similarly, Psalm 78:2 states, "I open with a simile my mouth, I bring forth hidden things of old" (YLT) [4].
Jesus frequently employed parables, which are a form of allegory, to teach about the Kingdom of God. These parables often used surprising or evocative imagery to emphasize themes such as the inevitable growth of the Kingdom or the contrast between humble beginnings and glorious consummation [9]. For instance, the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven illustrate how the Kingdom of God, though starting small, will expand significantly [9].
The use of allegories and parables serves to illustrate deeper meanings, making complex spiritual truths more accessible. The "entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130) [7]. This method of teaching allows for a "supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans" to be conveyed, which has been committed to writing under divine guidance [8]. The Scriptures are not merely a record of revelation but are the revelation itself, preserved for the accurate propagation of truth [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”
- Psalms “Psalms 78:2 (YLT) — I open with a simile my mouth, I bring forth hidden things of old,”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:6 (Darby) — to understand a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas.”
- 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”
- 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: Revelation — An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (See WORD OF [532]GOD.) The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth. Revelation and inspiration differ. Rev”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”