ALLEGORIES: The Word of God contains allegories. An allegory is a story with an underlying meaning that differs from the surface facts of the story itself. It describes one thing by using the image of another. An allegory is a realistic or nonrealistic story created to teach one or more truths which may or may not be related. Two examples of allegories in Scripture; when Jesus refers to the vine and the branches; and the bond woman and the free woman (Hagar and Sarah). Follow these guidelines when interpreting an allegory:
1. List the features of the allegory.
2. Note any interpretation given within the text of the allegory.
3. Do not interpret an unexplained detail in an allegory in a way that would contradict the clear teaching of the Word of God.
4. Do not try to identify all the features of an allegory.
TYPES: A type is a prophetic symbol designated by God. A mark, impression or image that prefigures something to come. That which it prefigures is called an antitype, of which there is only one. For example, Adam was a type of Christ as indicated in Romans 5:14. In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Christ is referred to as “the last Adam.” In both examples Christ is the antitype. If something is a type you don’t have to guess because the Word will clearly designate it as such.
SYMBOLS: A symbol is a picture or an object that stands for or represents another thing. For example, the seven candlesticks mentioned in Revelation 1:20 represent the seven churches described in Revelation 2 and 3.
1. A symbol can symbolize different things in different passages. Water symbolizes the Word of God in Ephesians 5:26 and the Holy Spirit in John 7:37-39.
2. In a given passage a symbol is intended to have a single parallel.
3. Interpret symbols in light of the biblical setting and culture and not our own.
4. Symbols are timeless and can symbolize something past, present, or future.