Using Biblical Doctrine as a Framework for Allegory Interpretation
Biblical Doctrine as a Framework for Allegory Interpretation
The use of biblical doctrine as a framework for interpreting allegory is rooted in understanding the nature of allegory itself. An allegory is defined as "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing" [1]. In biblical terms, allegory involves a twofold sense: the immediate or historic sense understood from the words, and the ultimate sense concerned with the things signified by the words.
The Bible employs allegory in various contexts. For instance, the apostle Paul uses allegory in Galatians 4:24, where he refers to the history of Isaac and Ishmael to convey a deeper spiritual meaning [2]. Similarly, Nathan's narrative to David in 2 Samuel 12:1-4 is an allegorical address. The Psalms also contain allegorical descriptions, such as Psalm 80, which describes Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt.
The interpretation of allegory is closely tied to understanding proverbs and enigmas. Proverbs 1:6 mentions the ability "to understand a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas" [3]. This suggests that allegorical interpretation requires wisdom and an understanding of the deeper meanings behind the text.
Different traditions approach allegorical interpretation in distinct ways. The Jewish tradition, as represented by Rashi, emphasizes understanding the allegory while not neglecting the literal figure itself. For example, Rashi interprets Proverbs 1:6 as directing attention to understand verses through both allegory and literal meaning [5].
In Christian tradition, the interpretation of allegory is often guided by biblical doctrine. For instance, the Presbyterian interpretation, as seen in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary, understands allegory in the context of broader theological themes. They interpret 1 John 3:8 as indicating that committing sin is characteristic of being from the devil, contrasting with being born of God [4].
The use of allegory in biblical interpretation is not limited to specific passages but is part of a broader hermeneutical approach. Protestant academics, such as those represented by Tyndale House, emphasize understanding parables and allegories within their historical and Gospel context, cautioning against speculative allegorical meanings [7].
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, views allegory as a way of speaking where one thing is expressed by another, seeing it as a continued metaphor. Gill interprets Paul's use of allegory in Galatians 4:24 as a superior allegorization compared to earlier interpretations by Philo the Jew [6].
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.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:6 (Darby) — to understand a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas.”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 1:6: to understand an allegory and a figure That they should direct their attention to understand the verses through two methods: the allegory and the figure. They should understand what he compares to the figure, but they should not neglect the figure itself, for that, too, requires understanding. When he states, “To save you from a strange woman and a foreign one” (2:16), idolatry is meant; this is the allegory, and also the figure—for he expressed his allegory in terms of a woman—should be understood by it, [meaning that] you shall beware of a stra”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 4:23: Which things are an allegory,.... Or "are allegorized": so Sarah and Hagar were allegorized by Philo the Jew (p), before they were by the apostle. Sarah he makes to signify virtue, and Hagar the whole circle of arts and sciences, which are, or should be, an handmaid to virtue; but these things respecting Hagar and Sarah, the bondwoman and the free, and their several offspring, are much better allegorized by the apostle here. An allegory is a way of speaking in which one thing is expressed by another, and is a continued metaphor; and the apostle's meaning is, that t”
- 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.”