Topical Encyclopedia
The term "allegorical" refers to a method of interpretation that seeks to uncover deeper, often spiritual or symbolic meanings beneath the literal text of Scripture. This approach has been employed throughout church history to understand biblical narratives, laws, and prophecies in a way that reveals hidden truths about God, humanity, and salvation.
Biblical Basis for Allegorical InterpretationAllegorical interpretation finds some support within the Bible itself. The Apostle Paul, for instance, uses an allegorical method in
Galatians 4:24-26, where he interprets the account of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory for two covenants: "These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother."
Historical Use of AllegoryThe early Church Fathers, such as Origen and Augustine, frequently employed allegorical interpretation. Origen, in particular, believed that many passages of Scripture contained a deeper, spiritual meaning that could be discerned through allegory. Augustine, in his work "On Christian Doctrine," advocated for an allegorical reading of Scripture when the literal sense seemed to contradict reason or moral teaching.
Allegory in the Old TestamentThe Old Testament contains numerous passages that have been interpreted allegorically. The Song of Solomon, for example, has often been read as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church. Similarly, the account of Jonah has been seen as an allegory of Christ's death and resurrection, with Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish prefiguring Christ's three days in the tomb.
Allegory in the New TestamentIn addition to Paul's use of allegory, the New Testament contains parables told by Jesus that are often interpreted allegorically. The Parable of the Sower (
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) is one such example, where the different types of soil represent different responses to the Gospel message.
Cautions and CriticismsWhile allegorical interpretation can provide rich insights, it has also been criticized for potentially leading to subjective or speculative readings of Scripture. Critics argue that it can detract from the historical and literal meaning of the text. Therefore, it is essential to balance allegorical interpretation with a careful consideration of the text's historical and grammatical context.
ConclusionAllegorical interpretation remains a valuable tool for uncovering the spiritual and theological depths of Scripture. When used judiciously, it can enhance one's understanding of the Bible's message and its application to the life of faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Belonging to, or consisting of, allegory; of the nature of an allegory; describing by resemblances; figurative.
Library
Allegorical Interpretation.
... Book X. Chapter XXXII."Allegorical Interpretation. "She therefore (Rhea,
or nature), it is said, produced, as it were, a certain...
The Cosmogony of Justinus anAllegorical Explanation of Herodotus'...
... Book V. Chapter XX."The Cosmogony of Justinus anAllegorical Explanation
of Herodotus' Legend of Hercules. Herodotus, [563] then...
Allegorical Explanation of the Sea and the Fruit-Bearing Earth...
... Book XIII. Chapter XVII."Allegorical Explanation of the Sea and the
Fruit-Bearing Earth"Verses 9 and 11. 20. Who hath gathered...
Allegorical Explanation of the Firmament and Upper Works, Ver. 6
... Book XIII. Chapter XV."Allegorical Explanation of the Firmament and Upper
Works, Ver. 6. 16. Or who but Thou, our God, made for...
Allegorical Explanation of Genesis, Chap. I. , Concerning the...
... Book XIII. Chapter XII."Allegorical Explanation of Genesis, Chap. I.,
Concerning the Origin of the Church and Its Worship. 13....
All Such Stories areAllegorical.
... Homily VI. Chapter X."All Such Stories areAllegorical. "And I must ask you
to think of all such stories as embodying some such allegory....
He Briefly Repeats theAllegorical Interpretation of Genesis (Ch....
... Book XIII. Chapter XXXIV."He Briefly Repeats theAllegorical Interpretation of Genesis
(Ch. I.), and Confesses that We See It by the Divine Spirit. 49....
Figurative Senses have their Foundation in Literal Fact Besides...
... Chapter XX."Figurative Senses Have Their Foundation in Literal Fact Besides, the
Allegorical Style is by No Means the Only One Found in the Prophetic...
Celsus, Moreover, Thinks that we have Invented this "Tree of Life"...
... Chapter XXXVII. Celsus, moreover, thinks that we have invented this "tree
of life" to give anallegorical? Celsus, moreover, thinks...
After This, Selecting from all the Treatises which Contain...
... Chapter LII. After this, selecting from all the treatises which contain
allegorical explanations and interpretations? After this...
Thesaurus
Allegorical (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Allegorical (1 Occurrence). Galatians 4:24 All
this is
allegorical; for the women represent two Covenants.
...Accommodation (1 Occurrence)
... This does not mean, of course, that the poetry of the Bible, even that of the Prophets
and Apocalyptic writers, is to be looked upon asallegorical....
Allegory (6 Occurrences)
... Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-4) addresses David in anallegorical narrative.... In Ecclesiastes
12:2-6, there is a strikingallegorical description of old age....
Songs (100 Occurrences)
... HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION 1. TheAllegorical Interpretation 2. The Typical
Interpretation 3. The Literal Interpretation V. CLOSING HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS...
Song (207 Occurrences)
... HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION 1. TheAllegorical Interpretation 2. The Typical
Interpretation 3. The Literal Interpretation V. CLOSING HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS...
Dark (234 Occurrences)
... The prophets are fond of employing this genre of literary production; in their hands
the mashal becomes a figurative orallegorical discourse (compare Ezekiel...
Sayings (134 Occurrences)
... The prophets are fond of employing this genre of literary production; in their hands
the mashal becomes a figurative orallegorical discourse (compare Ezekiel...
Hebrew (37 Occurrences)
... Born about 20 BC; died after 40 AD By hisallegorical method of exegesis (a method
he learned from the Stoics), Philo exercised a far-reaching influence not...
Hagar (15 Occurrences)
... 6.Allegorical Use of the Story by Paul: In Galatians 4:21 Paul makes anallegorical
use of this episode in the history of Ishmael and Isaac to support his...
Joel (22 Occurrences)
... THE BOOK 1. Literary Form 2. Outline of Contents 3. Interpretation (1) Literal
(2)Allegorical 4. Indications of Date (1) Place in the Canon (2) Language and...
Resources
What is wrong with the allegorical interpretation method? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Philo of Alexandria? | GotQuestions.orgIs Song of Solomon an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church? | GotQuestions.orgAllegorical: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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