Allegory in the Reformed Tradition of Biblical Interpretation
Allegory, in biblical interpretation, refers to a figurative representation where the meaning extends beyond the literal words [1]. Bishop Marsh defined it as "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing" [1]. This means an allegory possesses a twofold sense: an immediate or historical meaning derived from the words themselves, and an ultimate meaning conveyed by the things the words signify [1]. Every parable, for instance, can be considered an allegory [2].
The Bible itself contains numerous examples of allegorical language. The book of Proverbs mentions understanding "a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas" [3]. Nathan's narrative to David in 2 Samuel 12:1-4 is an allegorical account [2]. Psalm 80 uses an allegory, stating, "Thou broughtest a vine out of Egypt," and Ecclesiastes 12:2-6 offers an allegorical description of old age [2]. The apostle Paul explicitly uses the term "allegory" in Galatians 4:24 when referring to the history of Isaac and Ishmael [2].
While allegory is present in scripture, the Reformed tradition, particularly in its interpretive commentaries, often distinguishes between direct allegorical teaching and the use of figures of speech. For example, when interpreting Romans 7:2-3, some Protestant academic scholarship notes that these verses are not an allegory where "every element of the story has a theological counterpart," but rather an illustration to make specific points about release from obligation and establishing new relationships [6].
However, Reformed commentaries frequently identify and explain figurative language within the biblical text. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary, a Presbyterian work, points out figures of speech in various Psalms, such as the "green" tree representing communion with God in Psalm 52:8 [4], or the "cup" as a figure for God's favor or wrath in Psalm 11:6 [7]. Similarly, Psalm 37:35 is described as presenting a picture of the wicked under the figure of a flourishing tree that soon withers [8]. The same commentary also identifies Ezekiel 27 as a "lamentation" or "funeral dirge" that eulogizes Tyre's attributes to highlight the contrast between its former and latter states [5]. These instances demonstrate an engagement with the figurative and symbolic dimensions of scripture, even if not always labeled as full "allegory" in the broader sense.
Sources
- 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”
- 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.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:6 (Darby) — to understand a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their enigmas.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 52:8: The figure used is common (Psa 1:3; Jer 11:16). green--fresh. house, &c.--in communion with God (compare Psa 27:4-5). for ever and ever--qualifies "mercy."”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 27 (introduction): TYRE'S FORMER GREATNESS, SUGGESTING A LAMENTATION OVER HER SAD DOWNFALL. (Eze. 27:1-36) lamentation--a funeral dirge, eulogizing her great attributes, to make the contrast the greater between her former and her latter state.”
- 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.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 11:6: Their punishment is described by vivid figures denoting abundant, sudden, furious, and utter destruction (compare Gen 19:24; Job 18:15; Psa 7:15; Psa 9:15). cup--is a frequent figure for God's favor or wrath (Psa 16:5; Psa 23:5; Mat 20:22-23).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 37:35: of which a picture is given, under the figure of a flourishing tree (compare Margin), which soon withers.”