How Prominent Christians Interpret Metaphors and Literals in the Bible

You don't have to be prominent to recognize a metaphor. Metaphors are a commonplace figure of speech, and you always know when a word or phrase is being used figuratively, unless you are Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory). Some common metaphors include the elephant in the room, beating a dead horse, and kicking the bucket. These phrases clearly indicate that we are not talking about actual elephants, horses, or buckets. Similarly, the Bible contains countless metaphorical expressions and allegories, which are essential for understanding its true message.

For example, when you see a passage like the Lord is my shepherd, you understand that it is not about a literal farmer tending to sheep, but a deeper spiritual meaning. When Jesus stated, I am the light of the world, he didn't mean that he was a giant lightbulb, but rather a symbol of eternal truth and guidance. The fig tree in the Bible is used metaphorically to represent Israel, representing the nation's history, prosperity, and eventual restoration.

Allegories in the Bible

Allegories take the concept of metaphor to a new level, where an entire story is used to convey a deeper meaning. All of Jesus' parables are examples of allegories. For instance, the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches about empathy and kindness, not about the acts of a specific Samaritan in history. Similarly, the parable of the Prodigal Son speaks about forgiveness and the relationship between a father and his son, rather than a literal account of a man named Lall someone.

Abuse of Metaphorical Terms

Unfortunately, Christians and Jews sometimes misuse these terms, claiming that certain passages are metaphors or allegories to avoid admitting that they are simply false. For example, some claim that the word day in the first creation story is a metaphor, and the entire creation story is an allegory, to avoid acknowledging that the story is scientifically inaccurate. The earth, sun, moon, and stars did not form in the manner described in the Bible. That is merely a red herring.

You cannot dismiss something by claiming it is a figure of speech when it suits your purposes. The Bible is a complex text, and understanding its true meaning requires a nuanced approach. Just because some passages can be understood metaphorically or allegorically does not mean that the entire text can be.

Context and Interpretation

To understand the Bible correctly, it is essential to consider the context and the specific audience to which Jesus was speaking. For example, if Jesus is sitting at a table with you and says, This bread is my body and this wine is my blood, he is not speaking literally, but rather using a metaphor to illustrate a deeper spiritual concept. Similarly, when he tells a rich man, Go and sell everything you have and give the proceeds to the poor and then come and follow me, he is providing a literal command, not a metaphorical suggestion.

Hyperbole in Jesus' Teachings

Even when Jesus uses hyperbole, a figure of speech used to emphasize a point through exaggeration, people often misinterpret it. Hyperbole is used to underscore the literal importance of a principle. For example, when Jesus told a large crowd, If you want to come after me, you must deny yourself and take up your cross daily, he was not speaking in a metaphorical sense but was emphasizing the seriousness and commitment required to follow him. People sometimes misinterpret such statements as metaphors or allegories, making them feel more comfortable but detracting from the essential message.

Using a Specific Example

For a comprehensive analysis of hyperbole in Jesus' teachings, this video explains how to distinguish hyperbole from literal statements. Understanding the context, intent, and subtleties of Jesus' teachings helps in grasping the true meaning of the Bible, avoiding misinterpretations and disillusionments.