Spiritual vs Literal Interpretation in Biblical Hermeneutics
The distinction between spiritual and literal interpretation in biblical hermeneutics addresses how readers understand and apply biblical texts. This distinction often revolves around the concept of "spiritual" as opposed to "natural" or "carnal" understandings, particularly in Pauline epistles.
The Apostle Paul contrasts the "natural" with the "spiritual," stating, "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual" (1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV). The Geneva Bible of 1599 renders this similarly: "Howbeit that was not first which is spirituall: but that which is naturall, and afterward that which is spirituall" [1]. This verse, in its immediate context, refers to the resurrection body, indicating a progression from a physical, earthly existence to a spiritual, resurrected one. More broadly, this distinction informs how believers are to approach divine truths.
In Romans, Paul further elaborates on the contrast between "carnal" and "spiritual" mindsets, asserting, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6 KJV). This suggests that a "spiritual" understanding is not merely an intellectual exercise but a disposition that leads to life and peace.
The concept of "spiritual" in interpretation implies a reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:13 notes that believers "not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the 'things freely given to us of God'" [2]. This commentary further explains that "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" means expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit, and illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [2]. Similarly, Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 2:13 emphasizes that "using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths" means that the communication and learning of spiritual truth must occur "in the dimension and power of the Spirit," rather than being solely a rational, human exercise [4].
Christian worship itself is described as spiritual, contrasting with the outward, legal worship of the Old Testament. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Philippians 3:3 states that Christian worship is "spiritual, flowing from the inworkings of the Holy Spirit, not relating to certain isolated acts, but embracing the whole life" [7]. This spiritual worship is "rendered by the Spirit" [7].
The "Father of spirits" is contrasted with "the fathers of our flesh" in Hebrews 12:9, with Jamieson, Fausset & Brown noting that "Generation by men is carnal, by God is spiritual" [6]. This highlights a theological understanding where God is the source of spiritual life, distinct from physical generation [6].
A "spiritual problem" can be more profound than a physical one. Tyndale House on Proverbs 18:14 suggests that "A spiritual or emotional problem (a crushed spirit) can be more trying than a physical one (sick body)" [5]. This indicates that "spiritual" can refer to the inner state of a person, which requires a different kind of attention and understanding than purely physical ailments.
In some contexts, "spiritual" can also refer to a separation from genuine communion. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Jude 1:19 discusses those who "separate themselves" from "Church communion in its vital, spiritual reality," even if they outwardly participate in church ordinances [3]. This suggests that true spiritual engagement goes beyond mere external observance.
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 15:46 (Geneva1599) — Howbeit that was not first which is spirituall: but that which is naturall, and afterward that which is spirituall.”
- 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:”
- Jude (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jude 1:19: These be they--showing that their characters are such as Peter and Paul had foretold. separate themselves--from Church communion in its vital, spiritual reality: for outwardly they took part in Church ordinances (Jde 1:12). Some oldest manuscripts omit "themselves": then understand it, "separate," cast out members of the Church by excommunication (Isa 65:5; Isa 66:5; Luk 6:22; Joh 9:34; compare "casteth them out of the Church;" Jo3 1:10). Many, however, understand "themselves," which indeed is read in some of the oldest manuscripts as English Version h”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 2:13: 2:13 using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths: Just as spiritual wisdom is different from human wisdom, so the way spiritual wisdom is taught must be different from the way human wisdom is taught. The communicating and learning of spiritual truth must be done in the dimension and power of the Spirit; it is not simply a rational, human exercise.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 18:14: 18:14 A spiritual or emotional problem (a crushed spirit) can be more trying than a physical one (sick body).”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:9: fathers . . . which corrected us--rather as Greek, "We had the fathers of our flesh as correctors." subjection--See the punishment of insubordination, Deu 21:18. Father of spirits--contrasted with "the fathers of our flesh." "Generation by men is carnal, by God is spiritual" [BENGEL]. As "Father of spirits," He is both the Originator, and the Providential and Gracious Sustainer, at once of animal and spiritual life. Compare "and LIVE," namely, spiritually; also Heb 12:10, "that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Pe2 1:4). God is a spirit Hims”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:3: "We are the (real) circumcision" (Rom 2:25-29; Col 2:11). worship God in the Spirit--The oldest manuscripts read, "worship by the Spirit of God"; our religious service is rendered by the Spirit (Joh 4:23-24). Legal worship was outward, and consisted in outward acts, restricted to certain times and places. Christian worship is spiritual, flowing from the inworkings of the Holy Spirit, not relating to certain isolated acts, but embracing the whole life (Rom 12:1). In the former, men trusted in something human, whether descent from the theocratic na”