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Balancing Allegories and Examples with Clear Biblical Teaching

Biblical teaching often employs allegories and examples to convey spiritual truths, alongside direct instruction. An allegory is a figure of speech where one thing represents another, carrying a meaning beyond its literal words [1]. Similarly, a parable is a type of allegory, often a short narrative with a single moral [1]. The Greek word for parable, parabole, signifies a comparison or illustration, placing one subject beside another [2].

The Apostle Paul explicitly uses the term "allegory" in Galatians 4:24, referring to the story of Hagar and Sarah [3]. In this passage, Paul allegorizes the historical account of Isaac, the free-born, and Ishmael, the slave-born, to illustrate the contrast between those under the law and those free in Christ [3, 13]. He connects Abraham's human attempt to fulfill God's promises through Hagar with the attempt to attain salvation by keeping the law [13]. Hagar's status as a slave-wife corresponds to Israel's enslaved status under the law, contrasting with the freedom found in faith in Christ [13]. Paul's use of allegorical techniques here reflects rabbinic Jewish methods, which he, having been trained as a rabbi, could employ to counter the Judaizers [15]. John Gill notes that Philo the Jew had also allegorized Sarah and Hagar, with Sarah representing virtue and Hagar representing the arts and sciences as a handmaid to virtue, though Gill suggests Paul's allegorization is more profound [8].

While allegories involve a continuous metaphor where one thing is expressed by another [8], not every element of a story is necessarily an allegory. For instance, in Romans 7:2-3, Paul uses an illustration of a wife bound to her husband by law until his death. Tyndale House notes that these verses are not an allegory where every element has a theological counterpart; rather, Paul uses this illustration to make two basic points: death releases a person from legal obligation, and freedom from one relationship allows for a new one [12].

Parables, as a form of allegory, are stories that typically draw an analogy between an everyday aspect of life and a spiritual truth [9]. To understand a parable, it is crucial to identify the central analogy and interpret it within its historical context and the broader Gospel narrative [9]. Speculative allegorical meanings for every detail of a parable, beyond the intended central message, should be avoided [9]. Jesus frequently employed parables, such as the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), which addresses the varied responses to his message [9]. Other parables, like those of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33), use surprising imagery to emphasize the growth of the Kingdom of God from humble beginnings to a glorious consummation, encouraging patience among disciples [10]. The Psalmist also speaks of using stories and "dark sayings" to convey teaching (Psalm 49:4 BBE) [7].

Beyond explicit allegories and parables, the Bible uses examples to illustrate virtues and divine expectations. Christ himself is presented as an example of diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [4] and meekness (Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 11:29) [5]. Believers are called to imitate Christ, particularly in suffering (Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:21-23) [6]. The Old Testament also contains allegorical narratives, such as Nathan's address to David in 2 Samuel 12:1-4, and the description of old age in Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 [3]. Psalm 80 uses the allegory of a vine brought out of Egypt to represent Israel [3].

The use of imagery and figurative language extends to prophetic literature. Isaiah 60, for example, presents a "glorious prospect" of the Church's flourishing condition, employing "consolatory and magnificent description" to depict the universal spread of godliness among both Jews and Gentiles [11]. This imagery follows a period of "gross darkness" [11].

The Psalms frequently use figurative language to describe the ideal person and contrast the godly with the wicked. Psalms 1 and 8, for instance, serve as literary bookends (an inclusio) that outline God's expectations for humanity and extol the dignity of the godly [14]. These psalms introduce the Lord's instruction in wisdom and God's rule over a rebellious world, inviting readers into the Psalter's themes [14].

The balance between allegorical or exemplary teaching and clear, direct instruction is evident throughout scripture. While some passages are explicitly identified as allegories or parables, others use illustrations without intending every detail to carry a symbolic meaning [12]. The purpose of these literary devices is to make spiritual truths more accessible, memorable, and impactful, often by drawing parallels with familiar human experiences or natural phenomena.

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. 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”
  3. 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.”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
  7. Psalms “Psalms 49:4 (BBE) — I will put my teaching into a story; I will make my dark sayings clear with music.”
  8. 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”
  9. 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.”
  10. Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”
  11. Isaiah (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Isaiah 60 (introduction): The glorious prospect displayed in this chapter seems to have elevated the prophet even above his usual majesty. The subject is the very flourishing condition of the Church of Jesus Christ at that period of the Gospel dispensation when both Jews and Gentiles shall become one fold under one Shepherd. The imagery employed is of the most consolatory and magnificent description. This blessed state of the world shall follow a time of gross darkness, Isa 60:1, Isa 60:2. The universal diffusion of vital godliness beautifully set forth by a great variety of ima”
  12. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 7:2: 7:2-3 These verses are not an allegory, in which every element of the story has a theological counterpart. Paul simply cites an illustration to make two basic points: Death can release a person from obligation to the law, and freedom from one relationship can allow a person to establish a new one. Paul applies the illustration in 7:4.”
  13. Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 4:24: 4:24-25 Paul connects Abraham’s human attempt to fulfill God’s promises (4:23) with the human attempt in Galatia and elsewhere to attain salvation by keeping the law. Hagar’s status as a slave-wife corresponds with Israel’s enslaved status under the law. This status contrasts with the status of those who have faith in Christ (4:26-27). 4:24 serve as an illustration (literally are being allegorized): In allegorical writing, every character and event is symbolic of a deeper meaning. Allegorical interpretations often ignore the historical meaning of the text and i”
  14. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 1:1: Pss 1–8 Psalms 1 and 8 form an inclusio (set of literary bookends) that describes what God expects of the ideal person (cp. Pss 19; 33; 104; 145), contrasts the godly person with the wicked, and extols the godly person’s dignity. Jesus the Messiah (Ps 2)—the sovereign Lord (Heb 2:6-8; see 1 Cor 15:27) and perfection of humanity—embodies this ideal. Pss 1–2 The first two psalms are an introduction to the entire Psalter. Psalm 1 introduces the Lord’s instruction in wisdom, while Ps 2 introduces God’s rule over a rebellious, sinful world. Together, these psalms invite”
  15. Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 4:21: 4:21-31 Paul now returns to arguing from Scripture, using the contrast between Hagar and Sarah and between their children. Paul argues for a similar contrast between those who are slaves under the law and those who are free in Christ. • Paul’s argument uses the allegorical techniques of rabbinic Judaism (see study note on 4:24). Having been trained as a rabbi (Acts 22:3), Paul could out-argue the Judaizers using their own methods. 4:21 do you know what the law actually says? They were trying to achieve righteousness by the law, but they did not truly understand”
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