Using Scripture to Evaluate and Refine Teaching Metaphors
Evaluating Teaching Metaphors with Scripture
The Bible employs various metaphors to convey spiritual truths, such as parables, allegories, and similitudes. A parable, derived from the Greek word "parabole," signifies a comparison or placing beside, used to illustrate one subject by another [1]. The use of metaphors in teaching is rooted in biblical tradition, where they facilitate understanding complex spiritual concepts.
Scripture itself provides guidance on evaluating teaching metaphors. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it is written that "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" [2]. This verse underscores the importance of Scripture in assessing the validity and effectiveness of teaching metaphors.
The biblical use of metaphors is diverse, encompassing proverbs, prophetic utterances, and enigmatic sayings. For instance, the Psalms and Proverbs employ metaphors to convey moral and spiritual lessons [1, 3]. In the New Testament, Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of God, illustrating heavenly truths through earthly comparisons.
When evaluating teaching metaphors, it is essential to consider their biblical basis and consistency with Scripture. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the importance of comparing spiritual things with spiritual, interpreting Scripture in light of other Scripture [6]. This approach ensures that teaching metaphors are grounded in biblical truth.
The Bible also warns against misusing metaphors or interpreting them in a way that leads to error. In 1 John 3:8, it is written that "He that committeth sin is of the devil," illustrating the need to discern the spiritual implications of one's actions [4]. This verse highlights the importance of using metaphors in a way that promotes righteousness and truth.
Furthermore, the biblical use of metaphors is not limited to conveying moral lessons but also extends to describing God's relationship with humanity. For example, the metaphor of God as a refiner's fire is used in Zechariah 13:9 to illustrate God's judgment and purification of his people [5].
Sources
- 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”
- 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
- 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”
- 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”
- Zechariah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Zechariah 13:9: 13:9 Fire is a metaphor for God’s judgment (see Isa 66:15; Jer 4:4; Ezek 36:5; Amos 5:6). God’s fire may either destroy the wicked or, as here, test and purify the righteous. • refine them . . . like gold: God is the divine metallurgist, using fire to burn the dross out of metal (Isa 1:25; Mal 3:2-3). • These are my people . . . The Lord is our God: The declarations of loyalty by God and Israel restore their broken covenant relationship (Zech 11:10, 14; see Exod 19:5; Jer 30:22; 31:33; Hos 2:23).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”